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COLLEEN JOY VANLEEUWEN (BARON)
Born: Aug 31, 1952
Date of Passing: Oct 02, 2004
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCOLLEEN JOY VANLEEUWEN (nee BARON) On October 2, 2004, after a lengthy illness, at her home in Victoria, BC, surrounded by her loving family. She is now in a better place at home with her Saviour, The Lord Jesus Christ. She leaves for the time being, her husband of 29 years of a happy married life, Donn; and two children, Joshua Michael and Jordan Christian, both still at home, as well as her parents, Michael and Irene Baron of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Born on August 31, 1952, in Edmonton, Alberta, Colleen later received her education in Winnipeg. She attended Balmoral Hall School and the University of Winnipeg. Colleen was a person who had many interests and talents. An accomplished musician, she enjoyed playing the harp, piano, accordion, saxophone and flute. In 1992 she moved to Victoria, BC, where she worked tirelessly for the under-privileged. For the glory of the Lord, she cared for them in many ways, giving piano lessons to children who were unable to afford them, and telling and giving dramatic readings of her stories at various venues, as well as helping people from all walks of life. Not long before she was diagnosed with cancer, she finished writing and publishing her first book, "Do I Have a Story to Tell!" She was an unselfish person who always looked to better the interests of others, and went to great lengths to help those in need; including making large pots of soup and stew and taking it to the street people in Victoria, BC. Colleen will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends, both in Winnipeg and Victoria. The funeral was held at McCalls Funeral Home in Victoria and burial took place at the Royal Oak Cemetery, in Victoria. A memorial service will be held in Winnipeg at the Trinity Baptist Church, 549 Gertrude (at the corner of Nassau), Saturday, November 13, 2004, at 2:00 p.m. There will be an open microphone for those wishing to pay tribute. In lieu of flowers, donations in Colleens memory may be made to the Hope Village Society, 450 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC, V8S 2M4 or to a charity of ones choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 12, 2004
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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Colleen, commonly known to her friends at the Winnipeg Winter Club as George, was my best friend for many years. We had so much fun together in Winnipeg, at Lake of the Woods and in Quebec City on a vacation with her parents. She had the best personality and kept us both in laughter. She always wanted to do something out of the ordinary so she would have stories to tell when she was older. I recently found out she actually wrote a book of her stories which I will hunt down and have to read. I lost track of her and she called me in California after she got my number from my Mother. We chatted for sometime and I always wanted to meet with her but kept putting it off. I thought we would share some of our wonderful times together and laugh again. I am planing a trip to Vancouver and finally thought I would get in touch. I searched for her only to find her obituary. I am so sad that I never made the trip sooner. This has taught me a lesson. I will never forget my friend George and am so sorry to learn of her suffering and pain. I hope to see her family and share my memories with them. Gloria Pritchett (Taraska) - Posted by: Gloria Pritchett (Taraska) (Friend) on: Jun 21, 2018