Colleen Cagney
Apr 4th 1957 - Nov 14th 2009
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Ruby Cagney-Kerzich
May 13th 2012
Happy Mother's Day I miss you soo much i planted yellow pansies and marigolds on your grave today I hope you like them. I love you forever and ever
Ruby Cagney-Kerzich
November 13th 2011
hey mom wow its been 2 years ago tonight since i last spoke to you I miss you soo much theres not a day that goes by that I don't miss you or think of you. I love the fact that I have this website to go to to visit you it helps alot. and i visit ur grave offen though i havent been in a while but i did plant pansys ur fave this year and some pretty yellow snap dragons. But lifes been okay and i'm happy though alot has changed and it hasnt been easy. Sean left home which has killed me you know how close we were. Tony is doing good. We both are in school at KVCC. Dad is doing well though i can tell he really misses you and grandma alot. We got a dog named poppy the week after you passed daddy brought her for me we went to look at animals at a adoption event after we left the funeral home for the last time picking up the flowers. But i think tomorrow i will visit u. but i love you and i miss you im happy overall of course i miss you soo much but i am doing well. i love you mama cat
Ruby
May 31st 2010
Happy Memorial day i planted pansies yellow ones today on your grave i hope you like them i miss you sooo much soo so much. I'm doing okay so are the boys lifes different but you know you gotta just do it you taught me that. I love you and always will. I just miss you so much! Tonight excpecially tonight i cant sleep and i miss how you use to stay up and talk to me or read me storys until i could sleep its alot harder and the nights seem alot longer without you. i miss you and until my day comes i love you mama cat. fat louie and lulu miss you too always and forever
Mary McMorrow Howarth
November 20th 2009
Tony and family: I am just so glad I was able to have a great visit with Colleen and Ruby at the family bridal shower in Chicago in July. Colleen always came to family events and brought her upbeat, cheerful spirit. She talked to me about losing her mom and responded immediately to a letter I wrote to her; she was so sympathetic when we lost our own mom, her aunt Elizabeth. She had such a caring heart. As our cousin Jim Northam said, she took whatever life sent her way. May God Bless you, Collen; you are thought of with a big smile. Your cousin Mary E.
Sharon (Ringlein) Anderson-Western
November 19th 2009
Colleen and I first met when we were students at Nazareth College. We soon discovered we had relatives who knew each other through the college from many years ago. Small world! Colleen was always friendly and gracious. After graduation we went our separate ways in different professions. I was glad to catch up with Colleen within the last couple of years, even though she was ill and on my hospital unit. It was obvious that she loved her family and had lead a full life. My heart goes out to her family and friends. You've lost a real gem.
Rebecca Cox Race
November 19th 2009
Colleen helped me through one of the toughest times in my life. I was in a foster home when I was younger nad seen Colleen twice a month as my social worker, she helped me understand it was not me against the world and I could grow to be the person I always wanted to be.
Nella Kerzich
November 19th 2009
Colleen brought great faith, joy and strength to my son, to our family. Words cannot convey my sorrow at losing her, too soon, so young. Ill health prevents me from attending her services in person; my thoughts and prayers will be with my son and his family, with Mr. Cagney and his family, and with my family who mourns her passing. My sister and brother in Italy, Lidia and Giovanni, and their families convey their sorrow, too. Caio, bella. Rest in peace.
Roxanne Vanderveer/formerly Roxanne Runyon
November 18th 2009
I met Colleen when I was early in my career with the Department of Social Services in Cadillac and when she was working with Community Mental Health. She was one of a kind, such a special and giving person. My deepest sympathy is extended to Tony, the children and her other family members.
Angela Blades
November 18th 2009
Colleen was a very loving person. I remember while growing up with the family she was so kind and gemerous. As her daughter's friend we went on numerous trips for birthday parties and just for fun. I had an amazing time with her family and Colleen,we have shared so many awesome memories. My deepest sympathy goes towards the family.
Chad Taylor
November 18th 2009
I will always remember the hospitality Colleen endeared towards myself and others around me. I always knew that I felt at home when visiting. I didn't share too much time with Colleen, more so with the family in general, and every time I was treated as one of their own. My sympathy is with the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
Lindsay Majors
November 18th 2009
When I turned 18 and first started college at WMU Colleen showed up at my dorm room cookies in tow, in a hand painted tin of course. When she saw I didn't have carpet in my room, she gave me rugs. For my wedding, she came with bird seed packs in tow (which people couldn't rip open so they threw the whole bags at me, ha ha). Then when she gave me my present, she had a story to go with it. She had framed my invatation for me, but forgot the address, so she had to open my present up on her way up north to figure out where our wedding was. Colleen was one of the most self-less people I know. She was at every event and family affair she could make it to, always willing to help. My thoughts and prayers are with you Tony, Ruby, Tony, and Sean.
Lindsay Majors (Klein)
bob walker
November 18th 2009
Colleen is responsible for the stoplight at Oakland Drive and Center Street. She was a member of the Portage Central High School Student Council and I was the advisor. One of the projects we decided to take on was to get a stoplight there. There was a stop sign there and later a flashing light but that was a main route taken by many Central High students to PCHS. There were (over the years) many accidents at that busy intersection. One year a student was killed there. The PCHS Student Council asked the City to put up a stoplight there and there was a question of whether or not it was a city or a county responsibility. The Council was informed that there was no record of how many cars went through that intersection so there was no real desire to put up a stoplight there. The Council decided not to give in and Colleen took it on as her project as a member of the Council. After days and hours of counting, the Council presented Colleen's findings. Through her dedication and ever since that time period there has been a stoplight there. The reduced accidents and potential lives saved since that time period can be attributed to Colleen's unwillingness to give up. I am proud to have been the advisor of that group. Colleen and I saw each other at different times throughout the years and I am also proud to have been her friend.
Bob Walker
time period can be proudly attributed to her.
Mary Secondi (Pochron)
November 18th 2009
Colleen and I go back as far as Pershing Elementary where we were friends and classmates. In 5th grade we both signed up for Orchestra. She played the Viola, myself, the Violin. We had totally different personalities but Colleen always found the good in people, their inner beauty. Colleen seemed to excel in everything she did. While we only saw each other periodically as adults, I consider myself pretty lucky to have know her. My prayers to her family. When we did run into each other and chatted, you were the first thing we talked about. She was so proud.
Stephanee Jameson
November 18th 2009
I worked for Colleen for a short time in Cadillac when she had her private counseling practice. At the time I was in an abusive marriage and had no self-esteem or confidence in myself or abilities. I only worked for Colleen a short time but she gave me so much praise everyday that I was able to rebuild my strength and leave that abusive marriage. Thank you, Colleen, for giving me that gift. You are truly a blessing.
Heather
November 18th 2009
Colleen was one of a selected individuals that I knew who was selfless and positive all the time.
Her love for her family and friends was evident through her actions. She was a woman of determination and positive energy, regardless of her physical/health limitations.
Many of us have been blessed with having her be a part of our lives, and many of us will grieve for having lost her to God. The comfort that we have is knowing that she is at peace and whole and enjoying her new life with her family in heaven.
Her spirit will live on through her family and the legacy that she has left behind.
Diane Daniels Stevens
November 18th 2009
Ruby, I just wanted to say that after reading your remarks and poetry, you are a 'living image' of your mom as I knew her.
To top it off, your mom was a real blessing (and true image) of your grandmother (Anne) since I knew all of the family; your grandmother; grandfather, and Colleen's siblings.
It appears you will carry on the same love for life as your mom did; the same as your grandmother Anne did - the kindness and joyful way that permeated all of the Cagney family (all of whom I knew so well).
I've read your remarks about your mom; you sound like an echo of how Colleen used to talk about her mother.
Your mom and I met when she she was 13 years old and I knew she had a heart of gold when I first talked to her.
I always wondered if she ever took my suggestion to see 'the country' - the USA, and after reading about how she traveled with all of you, I noted that she and I both have 'crossed the same ground' - me in 48 states; your mom in 48 states, and the same sites (such as the Grand Canyon) where our spirits both were attracted to, and where she knew she wanted to share those same sights with you, as I've done with my 4 children.
Colleen and I have walked on the same earth; in the spots, and realized our pledge of the 4-H club:
We have pledged our heart to those we've loved; we've pledged our health to larger service, we've pledged our heads to clearer thinking, and we've done it all for our club,; our community, our country, and those we've loved.
While I've changed the 'pledged' just a wee bit, your mom knew what it meant as I did when I was her 'mentor' - her friend' her advisor, and her 'leader', but I learned much from her as she also showed me how we older folk can learn from the new children who will fill our shoes and then some.............
Diane Daniels Stevens
November 18th 2009
Earlier, I entered my 'own' memories of Colleen.
But, i should have remembered how she was loved by my own daughter (Lisa); admired by Michelle Mecheler; Diane (Hartman) who was also part of the 4-H club that I led; that Colleen was so passionate about, and ever ready to help the club to the best of her ability.
There were so many children (we had 152 4-H members in the Paviilion Township) that were so outstanding and admired Colleen as Colleen equally admired and loved them.
Butch Vliek. The Stermer family. The Weinberg family. The Stermer family, and so many others, but Collen was advanced beyond her 15 years of age when I met her.
She had ideas about how to improve the 4-H club.
She had ideas about how to 'love' - so much so that she apologized when she fed my 1 year old son a full hot-dog on the night we all had a Halloween party at my house, and she couldn't stop kissing (and feeding) my youngest son (Kevin).
She was always 'thinking' about how to improve things.
Always energetic; I took her to talkt to the Lions Club in Vicksburg - to the Rotatry Club, and to other clubs where she (and Butch Vliek) among aothers, would inspire not only the senior club membors, but felt excited by the energy that Colleen; Butch (and others) conveyed as they made each and every senior member of the community feel as if young people like she was; like Butch was, like Danny Stermer was, like MIchelle Mechler and Diane Hartman were (as well as Tracy Hartman and my own two oldest children who were also active in 4-H), were the 'future' mentors and guidance counselors of the community; the club - the state - and their country.
I can still hear her call out to me with her ideas; "Mrs. Daniels, I thinkt that this should be done", while also apologizing for feeding my 11-month old son (Kevin) much too many hot dogs on the Halloween party of 1971 that we had - she couldn't stop stop feeding him, nor hugging and kissing him.
Colleen loved everything; everyone, and put out with the utmost of courage and commitment, to all of those she came in contact with.
Colleen was an 'angel' to be sure, and I bet she's got ideas on how to make 'heaven even better'..........
Candy Lakin
November 17th 2009
The memories are many...
Colleen driving around with the ingredients for her famous shrimp dip ever present in her vehicle - just in case there would be an opportunity for a party, her collection of tea cups, her generousity, her handwritten notes, the gifts for every occasion that she so enjoyed giving, her ability to turn every excursion, no matter how mundane, into an adventure, her love of shooping and the hunt for bargains, her joy in in her children, her stories, her laughter.
She will be missed by many.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Tony, Tony, Ruby, and Sean.
Love,
Candy
Dr James Wilson
November 17th 2009
I remember Colleen as a compasionate and committed human being concerned with others and doing all she could to contribute to the community through service.
She will be remembered respectfully and thoughtfully and loving by me. My condolences to her family, especially Tony.
Jim Wilson
Jane Ferguson
November 17th 2009
I knew Colleen when she was a part-time instructor at the WMU School of Social Work. I was a staff member there. Colleen was one of the warmest, nicest people I've ever met. My condolences to the family.
Trina,Casey,Krista
November 17th 2009
Tony,Ruby,Sean and Tony Jr.
The Kids and I are thinking of you in this time of loss.
Colleen was a very kind woman and everyone that
came into contact with her could feel that. Our
thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Jo Keelean
November 17th 2009
Colleen was a true and special friend.
Colleen VanSlambrouck
November 17th 2009
I have so many wonderful memories to share. Some of my most treasured are during the time we shared an office together at FMC. On my 1st day, she warmly wecolmed me as the "other Colleen, Tootsie" or whatever I wanted to call myself. The way she lived her life, cared about others and kept us all laughing, will always be and inspiration- a lovely woman. I believe she would have enjoyed her "Life Story".... so nicely said.
Maggie Bresz
November 17th 2009
I knew Colleen as a social worker when I worked at the Department of Human Services. She was always friendly and genuinely cared about her clients and wanted to make their lives better. I didn't know she was a foster and adoptive parent. When people die we learn so much about their lives in obituatires that we wish we would have known sooner.
Amy Kerzich Davidson
November 17th 2009
To: Tony Kerzich
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Colleen. The death of a spouse has to be one of the most painful issues on earth. Remember the good things!
Kate Kirk-Greenberg
November 17th 2009
I am so sorry that the world has lost Colleen. She added her own unique sparkle through her positive, sensitive, humorous and intelligent nature. She was a wonderfully giving person. My heart goes out to your family.
David Swanson
November 16th 2009
Like the sun Colleen brought warmth through her smile to all of us in 4-H teen club however, unlike the sun memories of those days won't fade away as her life ends here on earth. Her keen ability to make us all feel sincerely welcome was a gift we were all blessed to have experienced. Colleen was a driving force and a stitch that held the fabric of a teen club comprised of kids from all over Kalamazoo county together. It's clear to see after reading her life story that God continued to use His faithful servant several years beyond 4-H. Our family extends our sincere sympathy to Mr. Cagney, Colleen's family, Ed, Joe, Jim and Kate. Be assured our God is faithful and we all will see those again who have gone before us.
signed...
A fellow 4-H Teen Club member (not so many years ago:)
November 16th 2009
We are all deeply saddened by Colleen's passing. Marcia and I ran into Colleen and Tony at the farmers market a few weeks back and had a nice visit. I know whe had just recently been released from the hospital but had planned to attend a baby shower with my family this past weekend. She clearly had a deep commitment to family which is a value she learned from her parents and passes on to her children.
To all who knew her, she was a caring and compassionate person and we will all miss her. Our condolences to Tony, Tony, Ruby and Sean and Uncle Bill and the extended Cagney family.
Deb Mason
November 16th 2009
I met Colleen when she and I both worked in the ER at Borgess, I as a clerk, she has a Social Worker. When I read the memories family and friends have written, I see Colleen all over. Everything that has been written is so true of Colleen, she was one of a kind. She would give you the shirt off her back. She truly cared about everyone else first and herself last. She was kind, compassionate, and loving to family, friends and patients. The last time I saw her was at this summer in Plainwell. She and Tony stopped and talked with me and even then I knew she wasn't feeling the best, but as always, it was about me, my family, how we were doing, etc. Only after all that was I able to ask her how she was doing and she downplayed it like always, oh you know, same ole, same ole, just hanging in there - smiling and laughing the whole time when I knew she really felt like crap. She was a wonderful person. We have truly lost another great person. To Tony and kids - Colleen will never be forgotten, she was truly loved. God bless you and thanks for sharing your wife and mom with us. She was the best!
Ruby Cagney-Kerzich
November 16th 2009
Where to start?? I was so lucky to have my mother as my mother. She was truly the best mom I could have ever wished for and more. I have so many memories she did so much with me and my brothers from a young age and up. Taking me to concerts she took me and friend to see NSYNC and since we were so young she sat though 4 hours of boy band music cause we were scared to go alone... now how many mothers do you know that would do that. We went on family trips my favorites being to Disney World 3 times, a trip out west where we saw Las Vegas, the Grand Canon, Mount Rushmore, LA, Hollywood and so much more. But my number one memory is from this past spring, I like my mother have many heath issues and I devolped new stomach problems so i missed work and since we didnt really know what was causing it at the time my work place supended me for a week my mother was like thats not fair its springbreak why dont we use this time and go away for a mother daughter trip so we got in the car and started driving. We made it all the way to flordia we vistied St. Augestine found out the Fountain Of Youth tastes nasty. Went to the Space Coast and Cape Canaveral. Hung on the Beach swam in the ocean, saw MTV's TRL Spring Break in Tampa Bay, i never wanted to come home. It was the best week of my life.
Also I loved shopping with my mother going out every year on black friday after thanksgiving fighting to find the one good deal on christmas presents, my mom was the best at finding a bargain. I loved going out to eat with my mom the day before she died we even went to Red Lobster for lunch to talk about my week and future plans I am so happy now I had that last privite time with her.
My mother gave me and my brothers so much trully everything she had i miss her sooo sooo much i wish she was still here she was my rock through everything everyday of my life she helped me get through it i know she is always in my heart making me strong. She gave me so much love and so much passion through everything i did. She gave me so many oportunitys that most kids would have never even dreamed about. such as the global youth conference in washington dc and new york city, music classes, so many summer camps, and so much more; if there was a oportunity my mother would find it. She did so much for us kids. She helped everyone she knew and never turned away anyone that needed help; helping many of my friends and being like a second mother to many of them.
I will always remember my mother as my mommy cat as I called her she will always be in my heart and with me 24/7 in spirt and love. I have so many great memorys so many fun times and i thank her so so so much for all of those. I miss her but i know her sprit is in my heart and i carry it with me always. I LOVE YOU MAMA CAT. GOD IS TRULLY LUCKY TO HAVE YOU NOW. I'LL SEE IN IN HEAVEN AND UNTIL THAT DAY COMES I KNOW YOUR WATCHING OVER ME. AND YOUR WITH ME IN MY HEART GOD I MISS YOU SO SO MUCH BUT DONT WORRY I'LL BE STRONG I PROMISE YOU THAT! HOPE YOUR HAVING A GREAT TIME IN HEAVEN. I LOVE YOU ALWAYS XOXO
Misty Blake
November 15th 2009
I met Colleen through a mutual friend several years ago. It's hard to describe Colleen with just words, because when you meet someone like Colleen, words seem small. Colleen was about sharing and expressing and caring and loving large and in the most selfless and generous of ways. I never heard her complain, and at the same time she was always willing to hear others complaints and burdens and she would always have the perfect words of humor, wisdom and compassion. Colleen had many gifts, and the gifts of hospitality and humor are my favorite memories. A perfect memory to describe her generosity, would be a time I visited her in the hospital. She was in bed with tubes and monitors. She said something like "Gosh, thank you so much for coming. Can I get you anything? Are you hungry?", as she reached over to offer me some of her orange juice and crackers that were on her bed table. (-: I am sure there was a celebration in Heaven yesterday, and I am almost certain Colleen insisted on being the hostess.
Colleen adored her family and children, and made anyone she would meet feel special and important. She touched many, many lives in many, many ways. She excelled in all of her career paths in the most important ways because she was genuinely humble and compassionate and had a gift for relating and connecting with so many people. Colleen will be greatly missed, and I am genuinely blessed and privilaged to know Colleen and her beautiful family.
Diane Rambow Stevens
November 15th 2009
Colleen joined the Pavilion 4-H club when I was teaching art. After I was elected 4-H Community Leader for the club, Colleen was one of my 'fans' - ever so helpful in so many ways.
I was given the Most Outstanding Leadership award and because I was sick with pneumonia, Colleen accepted the award that night, and drove other with a couple other 4-H members to deliver my trophy to me; she hugged me, and truly cared about my health.
Any project, you could reply on Colleen to be first in line to offer her help.
I was so saddened to see this story; she was like a daughter to me, and after I moved go Ohio in 1974, I only learned about her experiences through phone calls and letters.
She was a devoted spirit; we should all live up to her attributes.
Deb Schauer
November 15th 2009
If it not for seeing Colleen at the Children's Museum in Grand Rapids 10yrs ago, then I would not be in the job that I currently have and love at Borgess ER. I knew Colleen from WMU School of Social Work as a teacher and she became a friend. She had and loved immensely, her children and I was breaking in to the foster care life in my home. She was such an awesome and supportive person through my life in the foster respite world and beyond. She was always in a good mood, even when her health was poor. She would do anything for anyone and many many people were the receipients of that. She will be missed by many, including myself.
Ruby Cagney-Kerzich
May 13th 2012
Happy Mother's Day I miss you soo much i planted yellow pansies and marigolds on your grave today I hope you like them. I love you forever and ever
Ruby Cagney-Kerzich
November 13th 2011
hey mom wow its been 2 years ago tonight since i last spoke to you I miss you soo much theres not a day that goes by that I don't miss you or think of you. I love the fact that I have this website to go to to visit you it helps alot. and i visit ur grave offen though i havent been in a while but i did plant pansys ur fave this year and some pretty yellow snap dragons. But lifes been okay and i'm happy though alot has changed and it hasnt been easy. Sean left home which has killed me you know how close we were. Tony is doing good. We both are in school at KVCC. Dad is doing well though i can tell he really misses you and grandma alot. We got a dog named poppy the week after you passed daddy brought her for me we went to look at animals at a adoption event after we left the funeral home for the last time picking up the flowers. But i think tomorrow i will visit u. but i love you and i miss you im happy overall of course i miss you soo much but i am doing well. i love you mama cat
Ruby
May 31st 2010
Happy Memorial day i planted pansies yellow ones today on your grave i hope you like them i miss you sooo much soo so much. I'm doing okay so are the boys lifes different but you know you gotta just do it you taught me that. I love you and always will. I just miss you so much! Tonight excpecially tonight i cant sleep and i miss how you use to stay up and talk to me or read me storys until i could sleep its alot harder and the nights seem alot longer without you. i miss you and until my day comes i love you mama cat. fat louie and lulu miss you too always and forever
Mary McMorrow Howarth
November 20th 2009
Tony and family: I am just so glad I was able to have a great visit with Colleen and Ruby at the family bridal shower in Chicago in July. Colleen always came to family events and brought her upbeat, cheerful spirit. She talked to me about losing her mom and responded immediately to a letter I wrote to her; she was so sympathetic when we lost our own mom, her aunt Elizabeth. She had such a caring heart. As our cousin Jim Northam said, she took whatever life sent her way. May God Bless you, Collen; you are thought of with a big smile. Your cousin Mary E.
Sharon (Ringlein) Anderson-Western
November 19th 2009
Colleen and I first met when we were students at Nazareth College. We soon discovered we had relatives who knew each other through the college from many years ago. Small world! Colleen was always friendly and gracious. After graduation we went our separate ways in different professions. I was glad to catch up with Colleen within the last couple of years, even though she was ill and on my hospital unit. It was obvious that she loved her family and had lead a full life. My heart goes out to her family and friends. You've lost a real gem.
Rebecca Cox Race
November 19th 2009
Colleen helped me through one of the toughest times in my life. I was in a foster home when I was younger nad seen Colleen twice a month as my social worker, she helped me understand it was not me against the world and I could grow to be the person I always wanted to be.
Nella Kerzich
November 19th 2009
Colleen brought great faith, joy and strength to my son, to our family. Words cannot convey my sorrow at losing her, too soon, so young. Ill health prevents me from attending her services in person; my thoughts and prayers will be with my son and his family, with Mr. Cagney and his family, and with my family who mourns her passing. My sister and brother in Italy, Lidia and Giovanni, and their families convey their sorrow, too. Caio, bella. Rest in peace.
Roxanne Vanderveer/formerly Roxanne Runyon
November 18th 2009
I met Colleen when I was early in my career with the Department of Social Services in Cadillac and when she was working with Community Mental Health. She was one of a kind, such a special and giving person. My deepest sympathy is extended to Tony, the children and her other family members.
Angela Blades
November 18th 2009
Colleen was a very loving person. I remember while growing up with the family she was so kind and gemerous. As her daughter's friend we went on numerous trips for birthday parties and just for fun. I had an amazing time with her family and Colleen,we have shared so many awesome memories. My deepest sympathy goes towards the family.
Chad Taylor
November 18th 2009
I will always remember the hospitality Colleen endeared towards myself and others around me. I always knew that I felt at home when visiting. I didn't share too much time with Colleen, more so with the family in general, and every time I was treated as one of their own. My sympathy is with the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
Lindsay Majors
November 18th 2009
When I turned 18 and first started college at WMU Colleen showed up at my dorm room cookies in tow, in a hand painted tin of course. When she saw I didn't have carpet in my room, she gave me rugs. For my wedding, she came with bird seed packs in tow (which people couldn't rip open so they threw the whole bags at me, ha ha). Then when she gave me my present, she had a story to go with it. She had framed my invatation for me, but forgot the address, so she had to open my present up on her way up north to figure out where our wedding was. Colleen was one of the most self-less people I know. She was at every event and family affair she could make it to, always willing to help. My thoughts and prayers are with you Tony, Ruby, Tony, and Sean.
Lindsay Majors (Klein)
bob walker
November 18th 2009
Colleen is responsible for the stoplight at Oakland Drive and Center Street. She was a member of the Portage Central High School Student Council and I was the advisor. One of the projects we decided to take on was to get a stoplight there. There was a stop sign there and later a flashing light but that was a main route taken by many Central High students to PCHS. There were (over the years) many accidents at that busy intersection. One year a student was killed there. The PCHS Student Council asked the City to put up a stoplight there and there was a question of whether or not it was a city or a county responsibility. The Council was informed that there was no record of how many cars went through that intersection so there was no real desire to put up a stoplight there. The Council decided not to give in and Colleen took it on as her project as a member of the Council. After days and hours of counting, the Council presented Colleen's findings. Through her dedication and ever since that time period there has been a stoplight there. The reduced accidents and potential lives saved since that time period can be attributed to Colleen's unwillingness to give up. I am proud to have been the advisor of that group. Colleen and I saw each other at different times throughout the years and I am also proud to have been her friend.
Bob Walker
time period can be proudly attributed to her.
Mary Secondi (Pochron)
November 18th 2009
Colleen and I go back as far as Pershing Elementary where we were friends and classmates. In 5th grade we both signed up for Orchestra. She played the Viola, myself, the Violin. We had totally different personalities but Colleen always found the good in people, their inner beauty. Colleen seemed to excel in everything she did. While we only saw each other periodically as adults, I consider myself pretty lucky to have know her. My prayers to her family. When we did run into each other and chatted, you were the first thing we talked about. She was so proud.
Stephanee Jameson
November 18th 2009
I worked for Colleen for a short time in Cadillac when she had her private counseling practice. At the time I was in an abusive marriage and had no self-esteem or confidence in myself or abilities. I only worked for Colleen a short time but she gave me so much praise everyday that I was able to rebuild my strength and leave that abusive marriage. Thank you, Colleen, for giving me that gift. You are truly a blessing.
Heather
November 18th 2009
Colleen was one of a selected individuals that I knew who was selfless and positive all the time.
Her love for her family and friends was evident through her actions. She was a woman of determination and positive energy, regardless of her physical/health limitations.
Many of us have been blessed with having her be a part of our lives, and many of us will grieve for having lost her to God. The comfort that we have is knowing that she is at peace and whole and enjoying her new life with her family in heaven.
Her spirit will live on through her family and the legacy that she has left behind.
Diane Daniels Stevens
November 18th 2009
Ruby, I just wanted to say that after reading your remarks and poetry, you are a 'living image' of your mom as I knew her.
To top it off, your mom was a real blessing (and true image) of your grandmother (Anne) since I knew all of the family; your grandmother; grandfather, and Colleen's siblings.
It appears you will carry on the same love for life as your mom did; the same as your grandmother Anne did - the kindness and joyful way that permeated all of the Cagney family (all of whom I knew so well).
I've read your remarks about your mom; you sound like an echo of how Colleen used to talk about her mother.
Your mom and I met when she she was 13 years old and I knew she had a heart of gold when I first talked to her.
I always wondered if she ever took my suggestion to see 'the country' - the USA, and after reading about how she traveled with all of you, I noted that she and I both have 'crossed the same ground' - me in 48 states; your mom in 48 states, and the same sites (such as the Grand Canyon) where our spirits both were attracted to, and where she knew she wanted to share those same sights with you, as I've done with my 4 children.
Colleen and I have walked on the same earth; in the spots, and realized our pledge of the 4-H club:
We have pledged our heart to those we've loved; we've pledged our health to larger service, we've pledged our heads to clearer thinking, and we've done it all for our club,; our community, our country, and those we've loved.
While I've changed the 'pledged' just a wee bit, your mom knew what it meant as I did when I was her 'mentor' - her friend' her advisor, and her 'leader', but I learned much from her as she also showed me how we older folk can learn from the new children who will fill our shoes and then some.............
Diane Daniels Stevens
November 18th 2009
Earlier, I entered my 'own' memories of Colleen.
But, i should have remembered how she was loved by my own daughter (Lisa); admired by Michelle Mecheler; Diane (Hartman) who was also part of the 4-H club that I led; that Colleen was so passionate about, and ever ready to help the club to the best of her ability.
There were so many children (we had 152 4-H members in the Paviilion Township) that were so outstanding and admired Colleen as Colleen equally admired and loved them.
Butch Vliek. The Stermer family. The Weinberg family. The Stermer family, and so many others, but Collen was advanced beyond her 15 years of age when I met her.
She had ideas about how to improve the 4-H club.
She had ideas about how to 'love' - so much so that she apologized when she fed my 1 year old son a full hot-dog on the night we all had a Halloween party at my house, and she couldn't stop kissing (and feeding) my youngest son (Kevin).
She was always 'thinking' about how to improve things.
Always energetic; I took her to talkt to the Lions Club in Vicksburg - to the Rotatry Club, and to other clubs where she (and Butch Vliek) among aothers, would inspire not only the senior club membors, but felt excited by the energy that Colleen; Butch (and others) conveyed as they made each and every senior member of the community feel as if young people like she was; like Butch was, like Danny Stermer was, like MIchelle Mechler and Diane Hartman were (as well as Tracy Hartman and my own two oldest children who were also active in 4-H), were the 'future' mentors and guidance counselors of the community; the club - the state - and their country.
I can still hear her call out to me with her ideas; "Mrs. Daniels, I thinkt that this should be done", while also apologizing for feeding my 11-month old son (Kevin) much too many hot dogs on the Halloween party of 1971 that we had - she couldn't stop stop feeding him, nor hugging and kissing him.
Colleen loved everything; everyone, and put out with the utmost of courage and commitment, to all of those she came in contact with.
Colleen was an 'angel' to be sure, and I bet she's got ideas on how to make 'heaven even better'..........
Candy Lakin
November 17th 2009
The memories are many...
Colleen driving around with the ingredients for her famous shrimp dip ever present in her vehicle - just in case there would be an opportunity for a party, her collection of tea cups, her generousity, her handwritten notes, the gifts for every occasion that she so enjoyed giving, her ability to turn every excursion, no matter how mundane, into an adventure, her love of shooping and the hunt for bargains, her joy in in her children, her stories, her laughter.
She will be missed by many.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Tony, Tony, Ruby, and Sean.
Love,
Candy
Dr James Wilson
November 17th 2009
I remember Colleen as a compasionate and committed human being concerned with others and doing all she could to contribute to the community through service.
She will be remembered respectfully and thoughtfully and loving by me. My condolences to her family, especially Tony.
Jim Wilson
Jane Ferguson
November 17th 2009
I knew Colleen when she was a part-time instructor at the WMU School of Social Work. I was a staff member there. Colleen was one of the warmest, nicest people I've ever met. My condolences to the family.
Trina,Casey,Krista
November 17th 2009
Tony,Ruby,Sean and Tony Jr.
The Kids and I are thinking of you in this time of loss.
Colleen was a very kind woman and everyone that
came into contact with her could feel that. Our
thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Jo Keelean
November 17th 2009
Colleen was a true and special friend.
Colleen VanSlambrouck
November 17th 2009
I have so many wonderful memories to share. Some of my most treasured are during the time we shared an office together at FMC. On my 1st day, she warmly wecolmed me as the "other Colleen, Tootsie" or whatever I wanted to call myself. The way she lived her life, cared about others and kept us all laughing, will always be and inspiration- a lovely woman. I believe she would have enjoyed her "Life Story".... so nicely said.
Maggie Bresz
November 17th 2009
I knew Colleen as a social worker when I worked at the Department of Human Services. She was always friendly and genuinely cared about her clients and wanted to make their lives better. I didn't know she was a foster and adoptive parent. When people die we learn so much about their lives in obituatires that we wish we would have known sooner.
Amy Kerzich Davidson
November 17th 2009
To: Tony Kerzich
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Colleen. The death of a spouse has to be one of the most painful issues on earth. Remember the good things!
Kate Kirk-Greenberg
November 17th 2009
I am so sorry that the world has lost Colleen. She added her own unique sparkle through her positive, sensitive, humorous and intelligent nature. She was a wonderfully giving person. My heart goes out to your family.
David Swanson
November 16th 2009
Like the sun Colleen brought warmth through her smile to all of us in 4-H teen club however, unlike the sun memories of those days won't fade away as her life ends here on earth. Her keen ability to make us all feel sincerely welcome was a gift we were all blessed to have experienced. Colleen was a driving force and a stitch that held the fabric of a teen club comprised of kids from all over Kalamazoo county together. It's clear to see after reading her life story that God continued to use His faithful servant several years beyond 4-H. Our family extends our sincere sympathy to Mr. Cagney, Colleen's family, Ed, Joe, Jim and Kate. Be assured our God is faithful and we all will see those again who have gone before us.
signed...
A fellow 4-H Teen Club member (not so many years ago:)
November 16th 2009
We are all deeply saddened by Colleen's passing. Marcia and I ran into Colleen and Tony at the farmers market a few weeks back and had a nice visit. I know whe had just recently been released from the hospital but had planned to attend a baby shower with my family this past weekend. She clearly had a deep commitment to family which is a value she learned from her parents and passes on to her children.
To all who knew her, she was a caring and compassionate person and we will all miss her. Our condolences to Tony, Tony, Ruby and Sean and Uncle Bill and the extended Cagney family.
Deb Mason
November 16th 2009
I met Colleen when she and I both worked in the ER at Borgess, I as a clerk, she has a Social Worker. When I read the memories family and friends have written, I see Colleen all over. Everything that has been written is so true of Colleen, she was one of a kind. She would give you the shirt off her back. She truly cared about everyone else first and herself last. She was kind, compassionate, and loving to family, friends and patients. The last time I saw her was at this summer in Plainwell. She and Tony stopped and talked with me and even then I knew she wasn't feeling the best, but as always, it was about me, my family, how we were doing, etc. Only after all that was I able to ask her how she was doing and she downplayed it like always, oh you know, same ole, same ole, just hanging in there - smiling and laughing the whole time when I knew she really felt like crap. She was a wonderful person. We have truly lost another great person. To Tony and kids - Colleen will never be forgotten, she was truly loved. God bless you and thanks for sharing your wife and mom with us. She was the best!
Ruby Cagney-Kerzich
November 16th 2009
Where to start?? I was so lucky to have my mother as my mother. She was truly the best mom I could have ever wished for and more. I have so many memories she did so much with me and my brothers from a young age and up. Taking me to concerts she took me and friend to see NSYNC and since we were so young she sat though 4 hours of boy band music cause we were scared to go alone... now how many mothers do you know that would do that. We went on family trips my favorites being to Disney World 3 times, a trip out west where we saw Las Vegas, the Grand Canon, Mount Rushmore, LA, Hollywood and so much more. But my number one memory is from this past spring, I like my mother have many heath issues and I devolped new stomach problems so i missed work and since we didnt really know what was causing it at the time my work place supended me for a week my mother was like thats not fair its springbreak why dont we use this time and go away for a mother daughter trip so we got in the car and started driving. We made it all the way to flordia we vistied St. Augestine found out the Fountain Of Youth tastes nasty. Went to the Space Coast and Cape Canaveral. Hung on the Beach swam in the ocean, saw MTV's TRL Spring Break in Tampa Bay, i never wanted to come home. It was the best week of my life.
Also I loved shopping with my mother going out every year on black friday after thanksgiving fighting to find the one good deal on christmas presents, my mom was the best at finding a bargain. I loved going out to eat with my mom the day before she died we even went to Red Lobster for lunch to talk about my week and future plans I am so happy now I had that last privite time with her.
My mother gave me and my brothers so much trully everything she had i miss her sooo sooo much i wish she was still here she was my rock through everything everyday of my life she helped me get through it i know she is always in my heart making me strong. She gave me so much love and so much passion through everything i did. She gave me so many oportunitys that most kids would have never even dreamed about. such as the global youth conference in washington dc and new york city, music classes, so many summer camps, and so much more; if there was a oportunity my mother would find it. She did so much for us kids. She helped everyone she knew and never turned away anyone that needed help; helping many of my friends and being like a second mother to many of them.
I will always remember my mother as my mommy cat as I called her she will always be in my heart and with me 24/7 in spirt and love. I have so many great memorys so many fun times and i thank her so so so much for all of those. I miss her but i know her sprit is in my heart and i carry it with me always. I LOVE YOU MAMA CAT. GOD IS TRULLY LUCKY TO HAVE YOU NOW. I'LL SEE IN IN HEAVEN AND UNTIL THAT DAY COMES I KNOW YOUR WATCHING OVER ME. AND YOUR WITH ME IN MY HEART GOD I MISS YOU SO SO MUCH BUT DONT WORRY I'LL BE STRONG I PROMISE YOU THAT! HOPE YOUR HAVING A GREAT TIME IN HEAVEN. I LOVE YOU ALWAYS XOXO
Misty Blake
November 15th 2009
I met Colleen through a mutual friend several years ago. It's hard to describe Colleen with just words, because when you meet someone like Colleen, words seem small. Colleen was about sharing and expressing and caring and loving large and in the most selfless and generous of ways. I never heard her complain, and at the same time she was always willing to hear others complaints and burdens and she would always have the perfect words of humor, wisdom and compassion. Colleen had many gifts, and the gifts of hospitality and humor are my favorite memories. A perfect memory to describe her generosity, would be a time I visited her in the hospital. She was in bed with tubes and monitors. She said something like "Gosh, thank you so much for coming. Can I get you anything? Are you hungry?", as she reached over to offer me some of her orange juice and crackers that were on her bed table. (-: I am sure there was a celebration in Heaven yesterday, and I am almost certain Colleen insisted on being the hostess.
Colleen adored her family and children, and made anyone she would meet feel special and important. She touched many, many lives in many, many ways. She excelled in all of her career paths in the most important ways because she was genuinely humble and compassionate and had a gift for relating and connecting with so many people. Colleen will be greatly missed, and I am genuinely blessed and privilaged to know Colleen and her beautiful family.
Diane Rambow Stevens
November 15th 2009
Colleen joined the Pavilion 4-H club when I was teaching art. After I was elected 4-H Community Leader for the club, Colleen was one of my 'fans' - ever so helpful in so many ways.
I was given the Most Outstanding Leadership award and because I was sick with pneumonia, Colleen accepted the award that night, and drove other with a couple other 4-H members to deliver my trophy to me; she hugged me, and truly cared about my health.
Any project, you could reply on Colleen to be first in line to offer her help.
I was so saddened to see this story; she was like a daughter to me, and after I moved go Ohio in 1974, I only learned about her experiences through phone calls and letters.
She was a devoted spirit; we should all live up to her attributes.
Deb Schauer
November 15th 2009
If it not for seeing Colleen at the Children's Museum in Grand Rapids 10yrs ago, then I would not be in the job that I currently have and love at Borgess ER. I knew Colleen from WMU School of Social Work as a teacher and she became a friend. She had and loved immensely, her children and I was breaking in to the foster care life in my home. She was such an awesome and supportive person through my life in the foster respite world and beyond. She was always in a good mood, even when her health was poor. She would do anything for anyone and many many people were the receipients of that. She will be missed by many, including myself.
