Colleen Blanchard

Colleen Blanchard is the type of person that everybody loved to know. She had the wonderful talent of lighting up any room she entered with her kind and compassionate spirit, and she could make friends with just about anyone. She was a welcoming and selfless woman who wanted nothing more than to make her family happy. Colleen was a devoted wife, a caring mother, and a proud Nana. Always looking for ways to help those around her, she showed great love with her generosity, and her willingness to always go above and beyond for those she loved. Colleen carried with her great strength and a vibrant personality, creating a wonderful life for her and her family. She touched the lives of so many, spreading her unwavering optimism and great love for others, leaving behind a trail of priceless memories.

It was during the fabulous fifties that Colleen's life began. An exciting time where Marilyn Monroe swept the silver screen, and Elvis Presley sent shockwaves through the nation. Alaska and Hawaii had just joined our country as states, and an entirely new way of life was unfolding. In Kalamazoo, Michigan, summer was just winding down as Jack Monte and Betty Louise (Reynolds) Dole were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby Colleen Ann. Born on August 30, 1954, Colleen was the third of four children born to Jack and Betty. She was loved right away, and in her baby book described as perfect by her mother. Her father worked as a plumber and pipefitter, while her mother took care of their children at home.

Colleen's early years were spent in a fun and safe neighborhood of Kalamazoo, and she was always playing outside. She enjoyed playing baseball, riding her bike, and in the winter, going from house to house singing Christmas carols to her neighbors. She was always close with her siblings, especially with her baby sister Jacki Beth. They were inseparable, and Colleen protected her however she could. In 1965 when Colleen was only ten, her entire life was upended with the tragic accident and death of her still young parents. Placed in the care of abusive relatives from that point on, everything was forever changed. Finding strength with her siblings, she persevered and kept herself busy throughout her school years. She attended Sunday school, and was a member of her school's track and field team. Colleen was a fast runner and a talented athlete. As a matter of fact, all of the Dole siblings were talented athletes. She went on to graduate from Loy Norrix high school in 1972.

Though for Colleen, graduating high school wasn't even the most memorable part of 1972. Working at an auto body shop in a high school co-op program, the course of her life changed when she met Stephen Guy Blanchard. Colleen had just started working for Steve's brother Mike at Blanchard body shop in Kalamazoo. Spotted by Steve as she first walked through the door, he turned to a coworker and said he was going to marry her! It didn't take long for them to fall in love, and soon after they knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. On December 7, 1973, Steve and Colleen were married in a wonderful Christmas ceremony at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Decorated with whites and reds, they elegantly and joyfully tied the knot. Colleen and Steve were two halves of the same whole, and loved to laugh and live life to the fullest. Colleen remembered their wedding as the best day of her life. Sharing a love of cars, a strong work ethic, and an incredible love for their family, they spent 36 years of a wonderful marriage together. Their time together was only cut short by the devastating loss of Steve after a five year battle with cancer.

To Colleen, nothing mattered more than her family. Together she and Steve welcomed two beautiful children into this world, first Jessica Louise in 1979, and Jacob Guy in 1983. Their home was always full of loved ones, and they loved to entertain. Hosting most of the family holidays and parties, Colleen loved to go above and beyond to make every occasion special. The memories that were created during these holidays and celebrations are cherished as a magical time. Not just welcoming to people, their home was never without a beloved pet. Always with at least one dog, kitties and bunnies were often a part of the family too. Colleen was an avid animal lover and took care of her pets as if they were her children.

Never a dull moment in Colleen's life, she accomplished many things. In addition to taking care of her family and keeping a wonderful home, she worked at Portage public schools. This allowed Colleen to be home at the same times as her children, and she took great pride in her job. She made many great friends while here, and was able to spread her love to the children she met. Taking many under her wing, she loved to be there for these children, and they loved to have her there for them. Here, she was able to positively impact the lives of so many young people. Later in 1998, she and Steve opened Blanchard body shop where she worked for 22 years. She felt so lucky to work with her family, and retired in September of 2020.

Colleen was a classy woman who always took great care to present herself as such. Never without an outfit that matched her purse and jewelry, she was always put together. This attention to detail extended to every part of her life and she took care of her loved ones the same way, especially her grandchildren. She was known for spoiling them and treated their birthdays as holidays, taking great care to pick the perfect card and immaculately wrap their present and took pride in bringing their ice cream of choice. Each grandchild also looked forward to each of their infamous "13th birthday" trips! She loved any time spent with them, and they loved it just as much. She was so proud to be their Nana and was a very important part of their lives. Not only a wonderful Nana she was also a caring sister, aunt, and friend. Colleen was a woman of many talents and interests. She kept busy not only through hardwork, but also through great relationships and adventures in her life. For many years she met weekly with her friends and family through her knitting and crochet group. They spent this time laughing and talking all night over good food and wine. She also loved monthly sibling nights with her brother and sisters. She loved the beach and to spend time near water, whether the ocean or a lake. At home they always had a boat or a pool, and welcomed their loved ones to spend time there with them.

In her later years, Colleen considered herself so lucky to have had a second great love in her life. His name is Bob Brown, and after pursuing her for years Colleen decided to finally decided to go for that cup of coffee. They would often cruise around on Bob's motorcycle, or go out for rides in his classic cars. They shared a love of travel and went on many trips together, often to places near beaches and lakes. In 2019 they traveled to Hawaii together, where they got married right on the beach. Bob was fiercely devoted to Colleen and his love shone through in his great care for her. He stood by her side and selflessly took care of her through her entire battle with cancer. Colleen and Bob shared many great memories, and were always laughing. They loved to experience new things together and always supported each other.

Anyone who knew Colleen Blanchard would agree that she was truly beautiful inside and out. She was a genuine and kind woman, and generously always wanted to help those around her. People naturally gravitated towards her accepting and caring personality, and she always welcomed them with a warm smile. She always kept everyone's best interest at heart, and Colleen shared her love with everyone she met. It was easy to see that she adored her family, and was the glue that held them all together. The impact Colleen made in the hearts and lives of others was unmatched, and her absence will be felt deeply in the hearts of so many. She will be forever missed, and loved always.

Colleen leaves behind a legacy of love carried on by her devoted husband, Robert Brown; her two children, Jacob Blanchard and Jessica Oswalt (Justin); and eight adored grandchildren: Bella (Matt), Linkoln, Ava (David), Sophia (Caitlin), Jaxson, Ruby, Lola, and Violet. She also leaves behind her beloved Golden Doodle, Stella, who brought her comfort and joy. Along with her precious siblings Hank (Vicki), LaShon (Don), Jaci (Dick) as well as many treasured nieces, nephews and friends. Also Bob's kids Tori (Paul) and Tyson (Stephanie) and their children. Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Jack Monte and Betty Louise Dole; her late husband and first great love, Steve; and her precious granddaughter, Laila, daughter of Jessica and Justin. Each held a sacred place in her heart, and their memories remained a guiding light throughout her life. The love she gave and received from them shaped the beautiful soul she was, and her devotion to family will continue to echo through generations.

A Celebration of Life honoring Colleen will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Vicksburg Community Center/McElvain House, located at 101 S Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. Light refreshments will be served. Visitation will take place from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m., followed by a eulogy at 3:30. A time of sharing memories and stories will begin around 4:00 p.m., offering loved ones the opportunity to reflect on the joy, laughter, and love Colleen brought into their lives.