Celebration Of Life
Jul 27, 2021
Memories and Moments - A tribute to Colleen Marie Gleason
We, the Gleason family, express our appreciation for the incredible support received this past year.
Colleen lived knowing the fragility of life, cherishing every day. Her sassy smile and positive attitude inspired everyone. A testament to Colleen’s love was reflected back to us at Colleen’s Celebration of Life on June 27, 2021.
Thank you for your kindness and contributions supporting causes closest to Colleen’s heart.
With Heartfelt Gratitude,
Christine, Mike, Michael and Blake Gleason
Colleen Cares Organization
Here is a highlight reel (under 5 minutes) to re-experience some of the memories.
Below are some photos and information from the day and a special link to the speeches from Colleen’s immediate family.
The Seville in Streamwood, IL was the location for Colleen’s Celebration Of Life.
Everything - from the speakers, videos, programs, name tags, table decorations, flowers, wine pull, auction items, raffle baskets, refreshments, music, photo wall, memory bookmark, butterfly plant seeds and the glass coaster sets to take home - everything was beautiful. All done in Colleen’s memory; her amazing spirit and huge heart were felt by all.
The Gleason family welcomed over 400 guests and treasured hearing of special Colleen memories that were shared. Guests had time to learn more about Colleen via the various memory tables and videos on display. Tears were shed and laughter was heard as guests shared stories of Colleen with one another.
All had a chance to hear about some of Colleen’s favorite charities which will receive support from the Colleen Cares Organization, including Donate Life, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital, The Junior League of Chicago, Ronald McDonald House and Red Shoe Society Chicago.
“Colleen’s ultimate goal and dream was to run her own nonprofit. I never imagined I would be fulfilling her dream for her. But I am honored to do it on her behalf.” - Christine Gleason
Several speakers celebrated Colleen’s legacy and shared how she was special in their lives:
- Jenna Llewellyn (Friend)
- Michelle Burke (Friend)
- Ted Weitzel (CFO, G2)
- Marion Shuck (Donate Life)
- Anika Allen (Junior League of Chicago)
- Kristen Sitko (Red Shoe Society of Chicago)
- Philip Thrush, MD (Lurie Children’s transplant team)
- Elfriede Pahl, MD (Lurie Children’s transplant team)
All the stories were truly inspiring and brought everyone laughs and tears (glad to have that tissue handy on our chairs). So many guests said they learned something new about this amazing family.
“Finally, heart transplantation is an option which not everyone takes as it is a financial burden, big commitment and a strong family is needed. Luckily I married the most loving and organized person who was up every day at 6am to give Colleen medications and make all the doctor visits leaving home at 5am to go to Children’s. For us it was a no brainer and I wouldn't give up the 27 wonderful years with this amazing person for anything. I love you Colleen, Forever.” - Mike Gleason
Christine chose two songs to play after her speech. Colleen and Christine spent a LOT of time together in the car and these were among their go-to songs. The program included this explanation from Christine:
“The Climb (by Miley Cyrus) was our fight song. The words to this song were exactly what we were going through together: an uphill battle with her illness, but focusing on the journey along the way.”
“Rainbow (by Kacey Musgraves) felt like a message from my sister, Colleen’s namesake, who passed away. She was telling me it was ok to let go of my umbrella. My strong girl said to me that if she were to leave me that I would someday be able to put away my umbrella, and she would be my rainbow.”
“Colleen was a light to the world around her, a rainbow after a storm, and a fighter through and through. I’ve never known a stronger person, and I know her strength has given me and my family the strength to put down our umbrellas over time. We love you, Colleen, and always will.”
After the speeches, a light buffet and Colleen’s favorite cupcakes were served. A DJ played Colleen’s favorite songs and shared more personal stories. So many generous guests made decisions about which fundraising options to partake in: wine pull, order t-shirts and decals, choosing raffle baskets to take a chance on winning and bidding on auction items. Each raffle basket and auction item, made possible by many generous donors, was chosen as meaningful to Colleen and personalized with a picture of Colleen related to its theme.
“It's difficult to see any life that ends after almost 28 years and think anything other than, "what a shame." But I'm going to disagree. I think the fact that so many of you took the time to come here today (many even flying from thousands of miles away) really shows that she spent her life building relationships around her.” - Michael Gleason
There are people in our lives that impact us more than others. Colleen was one of these special people who continue to inspire us to improve the world around us long after they are gone.
“A quote from Andy Warhol, "The idea is not to live forever, but to create something that will." And I believe that’s exactly what my sister has done with all of us here. In some way, shape or form, Colleen has touched each and every one of our lives. Thank you everyone for attending today’s celebration of my big sister’s life, I don’t know what everyone believes in when it comes to the afterlife, but regardless, I can tell you that as of July 27th 2020, there was a new boss in charge.” - Blake Gleason
❤️ We love you, Colleen, and always will.
