Rockaway Beach, OR resident Colleen Willis passed peacefully away on February 18, from cancer. She was surrounded by love.
She was born September 15, 1946 to Foster and Eileen Tarbell. She grew up in Lake Oswego and graduated from Lake Oswego High School in 1964. She got a degree in business from Christian Brothers College, at the age of 40, in Memphis TN.
Colleen married John Willis, Sr., and although this marriage wasn’t permanent, they had two children Wendy (Scott Galloway) and John, Jr. (Sally Copple), and remained friends. Colleen had five grandchildren; Brandon, Lindsey, Casey, Samantha and Myles. She also had seven great grandchildren.
She leaves behind her two brothers; Pat and Tim. Colleen never met a stranger and leaves behind many, many friends, as well.
Colleen worked her early days at the family boat marina, Staff Jennings. In 1976, Colleen started work at Nike. In 1990, she opened a bookstore called Books, Etc., in Tigard. She then went on to work for Community Partners for Affordable Housing. She loved running their summer program for kids. She ended up back at Nike and stayed until she retired.
Colleen loved the Oregon Coast, travelling to Maui, reading, cooking, gardening, music, attending plays and watching TV. Her love of Rockaway had her spending more time there and she made the move permanent in 2021.
The family would like to thank Tracy Johnston and Tillamook Home Care and Hospice for their excellent care and kindness. They made Colleen’s dream of living out her days, looking at the ocean, possible.
Colleen will be remembered for her laugh.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Light Up The Life P.O. Box 188 Tillamook, OR 97141. Please put Colleen’s name in the memo section of the check.
Celebrations of Life will be held May 11, in Rockaway and September 15, in Lake Oswego.