Colleen Mary Foltz

Colleen, the school psychologist for the Reedsport School District, escorted a new student on a tour of the Reedsport Community Charter School. The first stop was the school office where Colleen told the young man, "This is where you will find the helpers!" The student then received an all-inclusive tour of classrooms, student union, library and more. The most important part of the tour was the pep talk, encouragement, and active listening that Colleen offered on the threshold of this major life transition. "You are ready for this!" Colleen was a helper!" Our world has lost a helper.
Colleen Mary Foltz was born in Portland, Oregon to Leo and Lorraine Foltz on March 18, 1962, the seventh of eight children in the Foltz family. She passed away on September 4, 2025. Colleen was raised in Portland and educated at St. Ignatius School and St. Mary's Academy. She studied harp at St. Ignatius and St. Mary's and continued her music training at the University of California, Santa Barbara where she regularly played the harp at the Biltmore Hotel. Following her studies at UCSB she returned to Portland, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music and psychology in 1990 and Master of Science in education in 2000, from Portland State University. Colleen was a gifted musician and singer. She carried cherished memories of singing in the PSU Chamber Choir and could be found playing her harp for guests at local Portland venues, from Hamburger Patti's to the distinguished Benson Hotel. Music was at the heart of her spirit. Colleen's deep compassion naturally led her to a career in service to children and families. While pursuing her master's degree she worked as a child therapist at the University of Oregon Medical School (OHSU). Her work with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) focused on building a team of volunteers who stood beside abused and neglected children navigating the legal system. In 2011, she earned an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in school psychology from Lewis & Clark College and began her career as a school psychologist in Camas, Washington. Nationally licensed, she dedicated herself to children in public schools where her impact was both wide-reaching and deeply personal. In 2017, Colleen adopted the South Coast as her home, giving all her energy to Coos Bay and Reedsport schools for 9 years. The quiet beauty of the Oregon coast reflected and nourished her own gentle spirit. Her work was guided by the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive.
Colleen was so much more than a trusted professional; she was a gentle, caring presence who touched countless lives with kindness, wisdom, compassion, and humor. Her friends and colleagues speak of her magical skills with children and dedication to students who struggled mentally and emotionally, with her patient, genuine listening. She believed every child carried a spark of talent waiting to be seen, and she helped them discover their gifts and believe in what they could become. Colleen's quick wit and amazing dry sense of humor guaranteed laughter. She made long boring meetings fun, and it was almost impossible to keep a straight face during teacher trainings when sitting next to her! Her witty insights punctuated family conversations. Colleen faced life's challenges, including those to her health, with the same strength, humor, faith, and determination that defined her spirit.
Colleen is survived by her siblings: Claudia Willis, Maureen Foltz, CCh, Megan (John) Miller, Kathleen (Mike) Nielsen, Richard (Gayle) Foltz, sisters-in-law Dolores Foltz, Sandra Foltz, twenty-four nieces and nephews and twenty-seven great nieces and nephews. Colleen Mary Foltz is now at peace in her eternal home with her parents and brothers, Gregory Foltz and Michael Foltz.
In her spirit of generosity and community care, the family asks that those wishing to honor her memory donate to Reedsport School District Food Services. To contribute, checks can be made out to Reedsport School District. Mail or deliver to Reedsport Schools District Office, 100 Ranch Rd, Reedsport Or, 97467 - Attn: Sharmen Tipton.
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