Colleen Frances Moore

On October 23, 2024, we said farewell to our beloved family matriarch, Colleen Frances Moore, whose vibrant spirit left a lasting legacy on all who knew her. Born on a brisk April day in 1940 in Hammond, Indiana, Colleen entered the world as a striking blend of Italian elegance and Irish charm, gifted with her mother's raven hair and the green eyes of a true Irish beauty. Known for her quick wit and mischievous smile, she filled her school days with adventure, rolling deep with her cool group of girlfriends and continuing to turn the boys' heads with her famous senior-year crew cut-a bold move she wore with her signature flair.
A brief college stint at St. Mary's to pursue nursing was happily cut short by a high school boyfriend's marriage proposal. With her usual gusto, she jumped into family life living in three states, but largely raising her kids in Pittsburgh, PA. Her journey ultimately led her to Utah in 1986, where she thrived as a fiercely independent woman, full of wit, humor and charm that could light up any room.
Colleen was a master of making life memorable and had a flair for the dramatic. Whether she was cheering on her beloved Steelers (from a stadium seat or the comfort of her recliner), hitting the open road for a vacation, or putting on her well-loved "party planner" hat, she knew how to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary celebrations. A legendary home cook and home maker, she poured her heart into every event, Super Bowl party, holiday meal, or everyday dinner, creating unforgettable gatherings with what appeared to be effortless magic-though we all knew it was fueled by her love.
Professionally, Colleen spent years as a special events coordinator for Sport Court in Utah, where she orchestrated national conventions and regional events with the same care, planning and precision she brought to her home gatherings. Her eye for detail, paired with her love of people, made her an absolute star in the role.
A lover of the "unique" and anything "primo," Colleen had an eye for art and jewelry and a talent for finding treasures, whether on QVC, a shop or at an arts festival, where she could spend hours searching for just the right piece to add to her ever-growing collection. She filled her home with art that was meaningful to her, each piece telling its own story.
Poised, stylish, and always accessorized to perfection, Colleen was every inch a lady. But when the cards hit the table, a fierce competitor emerged. A skilled bridge player most of her life and most recently at the Millcreek Senior Center, she also loved family game nights, where her wins were celebrated not just for her triumph, but more so for the joy of being together with her loved ones.
Colleen's true gift was her thoughtfulness. Every card or gift she sent was chosen with care, always arriving well ahead of the occasion. She loved surprising others and was equally delighted by surprises sent her way. Family was at the heart of her world, and she kept a close bond with her children, Casey and Katie, her cherished brother Jim and sister Norma, and her treasured 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren (Kelsey, Erin, Lila, Paige, Vivian, Livia, Lincoln, Forrest and Amber). Colleen lived closest to her oldest granddaughter Kelsey, and they formed a special, lifelong bond between them. Through the years she taught her kids and grandkids/great grandkids life lessons in behavior and etiquette, and the values of being a good person. She always lovingly "pointed" them in the right direction (whether they liked her advice or not!) and did her best to expose them to various life experiences.
Colleen is now reunited with her parents, sister Norma, and granddaughter Erin. She is survived by her devoted family: brother Jim Tharp, her son Casey (Diane) Moore, daughter Katie (Todd) Schmidt, granddaughter Kelsey Anderson (Spencer Brown), and her other grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored.
Per her wishes, private services will be held with her immediate family. In Colleen's memory, donations can be made to The American Contract Bridge League Educational Foundation (ACBL) at https://www.acbleducationalfoundation.org/donate.php or to The Philadelphia Foundation c/o the Erin Delia Moore Fund for Children with Cancer at https://www.philafound.org/give-now/