COLLEEN SCHROEDER (SCHARF)

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COLLEEN SCHROEDER (nee SCHARF) April 28, 1954 June 15, 2012 It is with both heavy hearts and faithful souls that we announce the passing of Colleen on Friday, June 15, 2012. With loved ones at her side and around the world we saw her leave - ready for a new life free of pain. While she wavered from time to time her spirituality remained resolute and now she is at peace - with those who have gone before. Colleen was born to George and Joyce Scharf in Winnipeg on April 28, 1954 big sister to her siblings David and Robert. Her youth was spent enjoying the city and the country. She was mischievous and daring bright and sensitive. In other words she was her parent's daughter. And when she was ready as a young woman she married Keith. And they had two children Christine and Jason. She met the challenge of raising two children, managing a home, being a wife and all the while running a series of businesses. It made her strong and independent. About ten years ago, after Keith's passing she hooked up with Cal. Together they worked, travelled and loved. From Alaska to the Caribbean, from Quebec City to Oregon they looked inside new worlds. They spent countless hours searching for nature's animals with much success. During whirlwind times spent at concerts, times in the Whiteshell or Riding Mountain and even at home they dared explore their world and each other. It was a hell of a ride! Colleen was her own woman. She did not suffer fools gladly. She had strong opinions and was not afraid to share them. But she voiced these with a mind to help not hinder or destroy. It was due to a sense of commitment and family. And when you saw that look well you knew that something was coming. That was one of her strengths and one of her weaknesses and we all loved her for it. She was the consummate modern day alpha female strong, honest, vibrant and true. While she was tough on the outside she really was a creampuff. Whether it was a tender movie or a stray animal it didn't take much to see a tear in her eye. Colleen had so much love she couldn't help but share it with all of us. And we are the richer for it. We thank all who have helped in the last while. You know who you are family, friends and professionals. She loved all her family but especially her own children and grandchildren - Jason (Roxanne), Melissa, Cole, Michael and Kody; Christine, Justin and Riley. Left with so many great memories is the love of her life, Cal, and she will be missed by the aunties that meant so much to her - Beattie, Ali, and Joanie (Wilf). According to her wishes there will be no memorial. We ask that there be no flowers. Donations may be made in her name to your charity of choice. But more important - after you read this notice remember who you love and hug them hug them with all your heart and soul. They are precious. When in Alaska we were travelling on a bus when Colleen yelled at the driver to stop. When he did, she pointed behind us and there was a wolf with her pup soaking in the sun. Colleen had tears in her eyes. I just prayed to see a wolf. she whispered as we watched the mother loving her pup. In that one second anyone watching could grasp all that was Colleen: her spirituality, her soul, her mind and her heart. And as long as there are memories, she will be here. MACKENZIE FUNERAL CHAPEL STONEWALL (204) 467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 23, 2012