Obituary of Colleen Graham
It is with great love and sadness that we announce the passing of Colleen Margaret Graham (Monahan). After a courageous battle with cancer and surrounded by her large, loving family, Colleen died peacefully at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton, NB on December 29, 2018 at the age of 32.
Colleen is survived by her husband Christopher and son Max, her parents Joseph and Donna Monahan, siblings Michelle (Mike Wright), Molly (Marcus Aiton) and John (Emily Reagon); mother-in-law Marilyn (Gill Thibault), father in-law Robert (Lesley Matthews), sisters-in-law Melanie (David Rodger) and Caroline (Pat Carroll). Colleen put family first and will be missed by her favourite lady, Nanny (Margaret MacIntyre), and many special aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that are like family.
Colleen was born on October 9, 1986, the first grandchild for the MacIntyre Clan and a welcome addition to the growing Monahan party. Colleen grew up in Sussex, where she loved to ski at Poley, swim at the Waterford Falls, act in the school musicals, and most of all, host her many friends at the house on Gordon Street.
Colleen attended the University of King’s College in Halifax, where she met the love of her life, Chris. Colleen obtained a Bachelor of Arts with an Honours in French and a major in English, then went on to get her Bachelor of Education degree at St Thomas University. Colleen quickly embraced the challenges and rewards of teaching, touching the hearts of students at Sussex Middle School, Sussex High School, Esterhazy High School (Esterhazy, SK), Tisdale Middle/Secondary School (Tisdale, SK), École St. Gerard School (Saskatoon, SK), École St. Matthew School (Saskatoon, SK), and most recently the Country Day School in King, Ontario. Mme. Graham believed that every student could shine if given the freedom to be themselves.
The happiest day of Colleen’s life was when her son Max was born. Over the last four years, Colleen, Chris, Max, and their dog Liberty, made the most of each day. Together as a family, they loved to go on adventures and road trips to ski, camp, and spend time by the water.
Colleen celebrated life everyday with her kind, positive spirit, leaving a sparkle everywhere she went. She was an amazing artist and her biggest strength was her ability to bring people together. Her legacy will live on in all of us.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex NB (506-433-1176) from where visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 12:00pm at St. Francis Xavier Church.
At Colleen’s wish, please consider a donation in lieu of flowers to Colleen’s living memorial, which will be used towards Max’s education fund as well as the cancer centres which helped Colleen through her courageous battle. Donations can be made through Wallace Funeral Home or by etransfer to inmemoryofcolleen@gmail.com.
