Colleen Gale Lannan-Walter

When you look up at the sky tonight take notice of a new star shining bright… Colleen lost her valiant and lengthy battle with cancer in the early hours of Saturday, July 2, 2016. She leaves behind many whose love and friendship she deeply cherished. She was born on July 5, 1964 in Manchester, CT to the late Chief Robert D. Lannan and Roxann A. (Norris) Lannan of Vernon, CT. She leaves behind two precious and dearly loved children, Nathan I. Lannan and Evan Walter, both of Vernon, CT, her beloved sisters, Merrybeth Lannan (David Wharton) of Vernon, CT and Deborah S. (Thomas) Hulien of Colchester, CT, her high school sweetheart and forever best friend, Mark Walter, of Vernon, CT, nieces Sarah (Dan) Landini, Jessica Lannan both of Vernon, CT, Erika Zappia of CA, and nephew Dustin Lannan of Vernon, CT, cousins Lisa (Foley) Duszyk and Daniel Foley both of Vernon, CT, Timothy Lannan of FL, Terry Lannan of NH, Patrick Lannan and Sharon (Lannan) Dascomb both of CA, Kathleen (Lannan) Dillard of MD, countless lifelong friends including Denise Enders Olsen, Tia Moriarty Nevi, Laura Holbrook, Lisa Isko Barrett, Bob Bohadik, and her sweet and steadfast cat, "Snitty Kitty." She was predeceased by a brother David K. Lannan, formerly of Ellington, CT. A lifelong resident of the area, Colleen graduated in 1982 from Manchester High School, where she enjoyed many extracurricular activities and was always meeting and making new friends. Colleen was passionate in her life's chosen profession within the aerospace industry, most recently at Evolution Aero in South Windsor, CT. The family would like to thank and honor the legions of Colleen's competent and compassionate caregivers throughout her journey, most especially the dedicated team, including Sharon, with the Vernon Visiting Nurses, and the self-less and loving staff at Fox Hill Transitional Care, including the following exceptional nurses; Hazel, Heather, Gina, Maryana, and Danielle. All friends and loved ones are encouraged to come and share of story or special memory of their times with Colleen at Ladd-Turkington and Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road, Vernon, CT. Calling hours are Saturday, July 9, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed immediately by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. to celebrate her life. Burial will be at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill, CT at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations can be made to the following charitable causes: Vernon Visiting Nurses, 8 Keynote Drive, Vernon, CT, or Hockanum Valley Community Council, 29 Naek Rd., Vernon, CT