Colleen Mary Garvey passed away on May 14, 2025. She died peacefully in her home under the care of ThedaCare Hospice, Valley VNA, and her niece, Anne Garvey.

Colleen was born on October 2, 1926 to C.J. "Lett" and Agnes (née Roemer) Garvey. The fourth of five children, she was preceded in death by her parents, sister Constance (Ford), and brothers Thomas, Daniel, and Terrence.

Her childhood was filled with adventures and exploration, both in the neighborhood and "Up North" where the family spent their summers.

After attending Saint Mary Grade School and Appleton High School, she majored in Art at Mount Mary College in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. In 1959, Colleen enrolled at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and was subsequently admitted as a candidate for the Master of Fine Arts degree. Following the completion of her MFA in 1961, she accepted a one year scholarship to study in Italy at the Dominican Villa Schifanoia near Florence. Fellow students she met at the villa became her lifelong friends.

During subsequent years of study and practice based in Florence, she also traveled with friends to other European countries, and to African countries, most notably Egypt.

Her passion for making art was matched by her love of teaching it. On returning to the United States, she began teaching at UW – Superior and later taught at UW – Stevens Point. She shared her thorough understanding of design and composition with students and faculty alike, and taught classes in a variety of media, notably wood and fabric. During her teaching years, she practiced and taught printmaking.

Retiring from teaching after 19 years of service, she turned to metal fabrication, creating copper sculptures of angels and cowboys, while reveling in outdoor life in the cabin her father built on the Wolf River at Hollister. Her love of nature could not be missed. She was also an avid fly fisherman.

Catholicism and her inner religious life were central to her outlook. Until her final years, she continued to explore the history and theology of the Church. Religious beliefs and practices were often a topic of lively discussion at home.

Colleen returned to her family home in Appleton when she could no longer stay at Hollister alone. As time went on, she increasingly missed her parents, siblings, and friends. Her most constant companions were a series of Dalmatian dogs, each fully appreciated as a person and as a dog. In her last years, she kept a cat.

A Funeral Service for Colleen will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at St Mary Catholic Church, 312 S State Street, Appleton with Fr. Bill Swichtenberg officiating.  Friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Light refreshments will be offered after the service.  Interment will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in Appleton.

Instead of sending flowers, please consider donating to Colleen's favorite nightly companion, Wisconsin Public Radio.