OBITUARY: Colleen Louise Britt, 73

Below is an obituary from Yosemite Cremation Service:

FRESNO, CA — Colleen Louise Britt, beloved mother, grandmother, partner, and friend, passed away in Fresno, CA on December 8th at the age of 73. Colleen was born in Wilmington, Massachusetts, on July 27th 1950, to William E. Britt and Margaret E. Jackson.

Colleen’s life was profoundly shaped at an early age by the tragic loss of her precious son, Sean. As a young mother, she faced the unbearable grief of having to bury a child.

In the years that followed, Colleen called dozens of cities across the US home before settling down in the Santa Cruz, California area for most of her later years.

As a single mother, Colleen had several jobs before she began a position in banking, where she quickly rose to a regional manager. However, due to ongoing health issues she chose to give up her position in the workforce and tend to her true calling and purpose in life – being a mother. She raised five daughters, plus two of her grandchildren over the course of fifty-six years.

In 1987, Colleen met her partner and the love of her life, Peter Diaz, through their mutual love for motorcycles. Peter would remain by her side for the rest of her years.

Colleen was happiest when she was surrounded by her family, especially when she was doing the things she loved most, such as dancing, bowling in leagues, betting on the ponies (always on her lucky numbers), watching romantic-comedy films, and cheering for the San Francisco Giants. In her later years, she found the most joy in caring for her fur-baby – her puppy named Callie.

Colleen always found comfort in her belief that she would be reunited with her son Sean. On the afternoon of December 8th 2023, in the presence of her loved ones, Colleen joined him in the afterlife and is now at peace.

Colleen’s family is her legacy, and the love she passed on will endure for generations. All her children inherited her loyalty, generosity, strength, and love of family, which is a huge testament to her life.

She is survived by her partner, Peter Diaz; daughters Michelle “Micki” Rodenborn and spouse Dave, Melissa Buglione and spouse Jesse, Monica Agudelo and spouse Bob, Shanna Avila-Britt and spouse Steven, and Amanda Boynton and spouse Dan; grandchildren Chelsea and spouse Erick, Courtney, Catie, Reagan, Jaden, Kieran, Ashton, Tanner, Leelu, Logan, Milo, Oliver, Meika, and Winnie; great- grandchildren Araceli, Connall and Kai; and her siblings, William Britt, Michael Britt, Joelle Castellano, Christine Lerussi, and Christopher Britt; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Sean; her parents; and her siblings Timothy Britt, Patrick Britt, and Cathleen Britt.

A private Celebration of Life Memorial will be held for family and close friends in the Spring.

On behalf of the family, we would like to thank the staff at Yosemite Cremation Service for their kindness and professionalism provided during this most difficult time. Your compassion and thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated and will always be remembered.