Obituary of MONIER – Colleen

1959 – 2011 Colleen Monier passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at the age of 51 years after a painful, yet courageous struggle with cancer. Colleen was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a B.Sc. in Home Economics, from St. Mary’s University with a B.Ed. and from the University of San Diego with an MA in Counselling. Her teaching career began in Fort McMurray, AB and eventually evolved into the role of Guidance Counsellor in Calgary. One of Colleen’s many talents as an educator was her ability to encourage and inspire even the most challenging students and those most in need of motivation. In 2001, she married Bill Monier and shortly after, left the education world to work in his accounting office. Everything about the business world excited her which eventually sparked her interest to pursue other small business ventures. Colleen led a full life outside of her career, one that was full of adventure. Downhill skiing, running, hiking, golfing, travelling, scuba diving in Bonaire, photography and gardening were her passions. Over the years, she ran a total of fifteen marathons, including her dream, the Boston Marathon in 1998. Colleen was a devoted Catholic and contributed many hours to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Hospitality and the GAMMA Girls’ ministries as well as to Chalice, through which she found many foster parents for Catholic sponsorship. In spite of all the personal hardships she endured over the past two and a half years, she soldiered on with her usual determination, unwavering hope and big smile. She had a radiant smile that lit up the room. Her positive influence on others is evidenced by her large circle of friends. Colleen will be remembered for her strong faith, for her sense of style and for her ability to bring out the best in people by her encouraging, thoughtful and caring approach. She is survived by her parents, Mary and Lou (Kilmer) Palmer of Antigonish, NS; siblings Chris (Jan) Palmer of Bedford, NS, Lynne (Pat) Bradley of Suffolk, PEI, Maureen (Brad) Barrie of Calgary, AB and Michael (Catharine) Palmer of Calgary, AB. Also left to mourn her passing are her twelve nieces and nephews, Justin, Laura, Gregory, Ellen, Kathleen, Matthew, Aly, Jack, Kyra, Andrew, Ryan and Jenna. She was predeceased by her husband, Bill, in 2008 and by her infant brother Greg in 1963. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the new location of St. Michael Catholic Community Church (800 – 85 Street S.W.) on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. A Memorial Service, as well as interment, will take place at a later date in Morell, PEI. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to Chalice (www.chalice.ca). In living memory of Colleen Monier, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200.