Colleen Krueger Gilbert

Colleen Krueger Gilbert of Clyde Hill, Washington joined her sister Carol and brother Hank in heaven on September 15, 2023, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Colleen was born on June 18th, 1954 in Portland, OR to Florence and James Krueger, the 2nd of four children. As a young woman she was a star student and voracious reader, but also loved skiing and sailboat racing. She earned an undergraduate degree from UW and went on to earn a Masters in Critical Theory. She moved to Houston for her MBA where she connected with her college sweetheart, Michael, who was at Baylor and they married in 1984. They had three children together. While raising a young family, Colleen earned her 3rd masters in economics. Upon return to the Seattle area, she and her husband founded Northwest Vision Institute. Colleen managed and grew NVI to be a thriving practice with a close knit staff. In 2007 the Gilbert family became complete when they adopted Colleen's late sister's three young children.

Colleen had many passions and the energy to pursue them all! The magnificent gardens she created were as photogenic as they were inviting. Colleen also loved architecture and designed the past two houses in which she lived. Only those who have spent time in her kitchen, looking out over the Seattle sunset, can fully appreciate her brilliance. Colleen and Michael explored the world on their bikes together. Some of their favorite spots included New Zealand, Sun Valley, and Cannon Beach. In all things, she was devoted to her faith and led her life as a witness to Jesus Christ.

After her diagnosis with cancer, Colleen's persistence, faith, optimism and passion for life carried her. Thanks to Outdoors for All, she enjoyed special outings on an adaptive bike long after she lost the ability to walk. She defied the odds, living longer than most with her diagnosis, and cherishing every day with her family.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents as well as her brother Hank and sister Carol. Colleen is survived by her husband Michael, brother Dave and her 6 children Michael (Laura), Christine, Catherine, Esther, Alexander and Dylan as well as her 3 grandchildren Abigail, Ryan and Wyatt.

A memorial service will be held in her honor at Bellevue Presbyterian Church at 1pm on Saturday, October 28. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Outdoors for All and Fred Hutch Cancer Center.