Colleen Marie Gardner, age 52, passed away on Sunday, July 15th, 2018 surrounded by her loved ones at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. She currently resided in Dexter, NY with her husband, David Gardner. Colleen was born in Warsaw, NY. She was the daughter of Donald Kelly (deceased) and Nancy Austin. Colleen graduated with her high school diploma from Perry Central High School in Perry, NY. She also attended and graduated from Monroe Community College with an AAS degree in Marketing and an AA degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Colleen was employed at Administrative Management Services (AMS), Inc. in Sackett’s Harbor, NY as a Program Coordinator and Auditor/Inspector.
She was a beautiful person inside and out, and always went out of her way to make those around her feel loved and special. Colleen especially loved spending time with her children and playing with her grandchildren. She enjoyed expressing and surrounding herself with creativity and artwork. Colleen loved baking and attending local art & craft shows to share her work, as well as admire the work of others. She loved being outdoors and spending time with nature. Her ability to tell jokes and make people laugh left those around her always smiling and filled with happiness.
Colleen is survived by her spouse and the love of her life, David Gardner; mother, Nancy Austin; step-father, Terry Austin; children, Brittany Sun (Bin Sun) and Stephanie McKenzie (Alvin McKenzie); grandchildren, Cayden, Marshal, and Hannah Sun; step-children, Jordan and Kyle Gardner; siblings, Brett Kelly, Chris Kelly (Kellie Fielding), Susan Wood (Greg Wood), Shawn McClellan (Aaron McClellan) and Melinda Kelly-Smith (Barry Smith); as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many loving friends.
Colleen’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 21st, 2018 at 11:00am at the Henrietta United Church of Christ located at 1400 Lehigh Station Rd. Henrietta, NY 14467. Dress casually for warm weather.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, Toys for Tots, or Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western New York.
Colleen I know that you are so happy in Heaven. I know you didn’t want to leave your family. I pray for peace over your husband David and your mother Nanny Goo. I pray that the lord fills there heart with Peace. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. But you are a very special person with a great heart. Your memory will always live in our hearts. Thank you for everything you did to help your brother Brett. Rest In Peace my sister in law. Until we reunite in Heaven.
Colleen, you and I never met, but I’m sure if you are anything like your Brothers we would have gotten along just fine. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all your family, friends and loved ones. I wish there was something magical that can be said that can help the hurt go away and dry up the tears. For now, please know that you are loved, you are special and and you will be dearly missed. Rest in Eternal Peace. I pray that God will grant you all strength. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.-Mathew 5:4
-RC Pacific Family 🙁
We never realize what we have until we lose a loved one, & we never know that the last time we meet will be our last. I wish I could have given you one really long hug the last time we saw each other. You have always been so special to me/us, & I always admired all the love you shared with everyone & how you made everyone happy & the center of your intention. Your enthusiasm for family & life showed in everything you created, your loving smile, & everyone you touched knew how hard you worked. For all the wonderful times & the time you took with all you did will never be forgotten, especially the special Christmas cards we received each year. You left too soon & now we must go on & make the world a better place because of you.
Chris and family, we are so sorry for your lost. Such a young soul gone way too early..
Kelly Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this trying time.
God Bless all of you.
Colleen, You have always held a special place in my heart. I am so sad. I cannot thank you enough for the joy you brought to me as we became friends and watched Britty grow into the kind wonderful person she is. She is you. You were the definition of sweet and kind…I will miss you…
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I am so sorry for your loss. She will be a beautiful angel in heaven. God Bless.
My heart is truly breaking. You have always held a special place in my heart. Always kind and giving – you are so young to be taken from your family. We will cherish the Christmas ornaments you painted and remember you always. Our thoughts and prayers for the family and friends.
Chris Kelly family – I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much Colleen meant to you. May your memories of her bring you comfort. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
she is the kindness person I meet always had a smile on her face my condolence to her family.