We Remember

CROSS, Colleen Frances

January 10, 1943 — April 7, 2017

Surrounded by her family and close friends, Mom/Nana/Grandma/Granny/GG passed away with incredible courage, dignity and a sense of humor. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Norm, in 2013 after 53 years of marriage. She is survived by her four children: Norm Jr. (Berva), Wendy Cook (Shaun), Linda Berger (Joe), Jodi Merckx (Axel), 10 grandchildren: Courtney, Kelsey, Cody, Dylan, Ryan, Sydney, Tyson, Axana, Athina, Taylor (predeceased) and three great grandchildren Jakoby, Cash, Coen, her sister Charlleen Bolton, and many nieces and nephews.

 

Mom was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 51 and seven years later she faced a new battle, a new cancer. Unfortunately, 2 years ago her breast cancer returned and she was given a terminal diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Days before she passed she was asked what advice she would give other breast cancer survivors. “I would tell them to take it seriously and get checked on a regular basis because it can come back years later, even if you’ve had a mastectomy.”

 

Mom was very passionate about raising awareness and fundraising for cancer and causes she believed in. She spent many years racing on the Bust’n Loose dragon boat team, being president and raising money to purchase their own boat, gear and compete internationally to bring awareness to breast cancer. Mom thrived on community work and was always fundraising for something. The BC Cancer Foundation said she was an ambassador bringing awareness and raising over a quarter of a million dollars.

 

Mom touched many people’s lives. She had the energy of someone much younger and believed there were no limits to what she could accomplish. She has bungee jumped in Switzerland, ridden a donkey down the Grand Canyon, walked across England and embarked on a year long journey with Dad travelling around the world. For Mom life was an adventure and she lived it to the fullest, wasting no time and never looking back.

 

Known for her delicious apple pies, Mom taught all her children and grandchildren the family recipe. Pie making became an annual event and a favorite family dinner dessert year-round. She was talented in the kitchen and welcomed anyone to her home and would throw together a meal with whatever was in her fridge.

 

In lieu of flowers, we know Mom would have preferred a donation to BC Cancer Foundation in her memory, 399 Royal Avenue, Kelowna BC, V1Y 5L3. This will be her final fundraising event. In Mom’s style, she planned her own celebration of life which will be held at Laurel Packinghouse. Please join us for drinks and appetizers at “Colleen’s Happy Hour” on June 27, 2017 from 4-7 pm (a short program begins at 5:00 pm).

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

 

 

Service
June 27, 2017 from 4-6 pm

Location
Laurel Packinghouse

Share with Others:

Share on Facebook
Share Via Email

BC Cancer Foundation - 399 Royal Ave. Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3 Link: www.bccancerfoundation.com

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for CROSS, Colleen Frances is scheduled for June 27, 2017 from 4-6 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Laurel Packinghouse

1304 Ellis Street Kelowna, BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Susan Einerssen says:

    To the Cross family,
    I truly enjoyed this wonderful lady who always had a beautiful smile on her face. I send you our heartfelt, most sincere condolences. I will miss her very much as she always put a smile on my face with her quick wit and her beautiful smile.
    Susan & Jonn Einerssen, Gallery 421.

  • Joyce Hahn says:

    To Colleen’s dear family:
    Colleen was a dear friend and I will miss her terribly. I met Colleen on the dragon boat team. We had lots of laughs together, sometimes until we were crying! We roomed together on our 4-day Carribean cruise. I booked it without a porthole and she never let me forget it, we laughed about it over and over again! She talked often of how blessed she was having such a close-knit and loving family. You all indeed made her life complete! I will sadly not be able to attend her Celebration of Life and say my condolences to each of you, as I’ll be out of the country, but I’ll be there in spirit.
    Joyce Hahn

  • Liz Smith says:

    To the cross family, I was saddened to read about your mom. We enjoyed our visits in the office. Telling me all about her drag boat racing, travelling with her daughter to the see the silver backs still amazes me that she had no fear. She was a great lady with lots of love for her family. I believe that was the most important part of her life her children and grandchildren. Thinking of you all. She is not alone she is with your dad once again. May she rest in peace.

  • Lori fieldhouse says:

    Dear Linda and Joe and family sincere condolences to all of You! You are in our thoughts and prayers! Lori , Isabelle, Bill Turner and family. Xo

  • roland weeks says:

    I am very sorry to hear that your mom has passed away.i have so many great memories of her and all the time i spent over at your house growing up.

  • Lani Bjornson O'Flynn says:

    Our deepest condolences to the whole Cross family on the loss of your loving mom
    xo

  • Rick and Bev Inglis says:

    We only knew Colleen for a couple of years but, in that time, were fortunate in getting to know a person who loved life and lived it to the fullest. Her quick wit and infectious laugh made happy times even more enjoyable.

    Sincerest condolences to the entire family.

  • Bill Bellwood says:

    End of an era for me 🙁 I have known Colleen my entire life. Her love of life & family was only exceeded by the beautiful woman within! God bless you Lady, you will be dearly missed by all who were privileged to know you. Bill Bellwood & family, Victoria, BC.

  • Jan Schumacher says:

    I got to know Colleen when she volunteered at the cancer centre. What a giving spirit! Colleen was one of those “glass half full” types….she saw possibilities and solutions instead of obstacles and problems. I was saddened to learn of her passing. My sincere condolences.
    Jan Schumacher
    Regional Co-ordinator, Volunteer Services (retired)
    BC Cancer Agency

  • Valerie Charison says:

    I just found out and I am so sorry for the whole family! I knew Colleen many years ago when Wendy lived on Scott Rd. She was always smiling, helping out, had a great sense of humor and always friendly I will always remember Colleen as a true friend. Remember the many good times with your Mom and keep her close in your hearts. Hugs and all the best to the Family. Valerie Charison

Leave a Condolence Message for the Family


» To share your condolence on this page please fill out the requested fields.
» If you have a photo to share, please do so as families appreciate it. To share a photo (please note, just one photo per condolence please), click the 'Choose File' button and select a photo from your computer.
» Once you are done, click the 'Share' button.
» Your email is never published or shared. Your name and email are both required.

NOTE: all messages will go through an administrative process before being posted.