Colleen R. Will, 66, of Palmer Neck Road, Pawcatuck, passed away Sunday, April 2nd, 2006 at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital after a 10 year illness, with her family at her side.
She was born Feb. 19, 1940 in New London, daughter of Eileen and Donald Toohey. In her youth she lived and traveled all over the world. She loved to travel and see the way others lived their lives. In 1975, she would return to Connecticut to raise her family and grandchildren that she adored.
She was employed at Greentree Manor for a period of time where she was remembered for her care and compassionate attention to her patients. In her later years, she devoted her time to helping her family in any way that she was needed.
She most enjoyed spending time with her children and family and especially her best friend, her sister Patricia Barbour. The two of them were always together. Not a day went by that the two of them either spoke or were at each others homes together. Colleen’s home was always the focal spot for the family to come together and swim, play, and just be together. She was the glue that kept us all in touch with one another. Her greatest gift was that she was a great listener and supported each person in whatever their choices were.
Colleen is survived by her four children, Thomas J. Will II of Modesto, CA; Cheryl Will of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla, Deborah Valenti of Pawcatuck, CT and Paul Will of Gales Ferry. She is also survived by her siblings, Fay Cavan of New London, Donald Toohey Jr. of Commerce, TX, and Patricia Barbour of Stonington. She was a devoted grandmother to her 10 grandchildren, Colleen Duncan, Robert, Joel and Lauren Valenti, Joseph, Isaac, Amanda and Elizabeth Will, and Aimee and William Bloomer-Will; and several nieces and nephews.
Her family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Thursday from 6-8pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Church, Stonington on Friday at 11am. Interment will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic.
To send a message of remembrance/condolence to her family, please click the link below.