Obituary of Colleen Nelson

COLLEEN THERESE ROACH NELSON Mar. 11, 1972 - Nov. 26, 2013 Colleen Therese Roach Nelson, 41, of Chico, CA, passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, November 26, 2013, in Chico, CA. Colleen was born March 11, 1972, to Dr. James M. and Cecelia A. Roach in Iowa City, Iowa, and was married to Carl Steffen Nelson on August 14, 2004, in Sacramento, CA. Colleen was known for her warm, radiant and encouraging smile and personality that would light up anywhere she found herself. She used every minute of her life to accomplish something positive. Colleen's family moved to El Centro California and she started school at Mrs. Gaede's Daycare Center. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School through the eighth grade. Starting in high school Colleen was generous with her time volunteering to help people. Among her many achievements and activities in her teen years was over 1,000 hours of volunteer service as a candy striper at El Centro Regional Medical Center. Colleen was awarded the American Legion Award for recognition of her strong sense of caring and volunteerism. Colleen participated in numerous activities at Central Union High School where she lettered in Speech and Debate. Colleen participated in speech tournaments and plays such as "Our Town" produced by her high school drama department. Colleen was listed in Who's Who in American Teenagers. During the summer she worked with youth at Warner Springs Ranch Resort in San Diego County. After graduating high school Colleen attended California State University, Chico majoring in Speech Pathology and was very active in the Newman Catholic Center serving on the leadership team for two years. She was a day camp counselor for Camp Adventure Youth Services sponsored through the University of Northern Iowa in 1997 in Belgium and 1998 in England. After graduation, she lived one year with her Grandmother Gocke in Newport Beach and she received the "Employee of the Year" award while working at Long's Drug Store. She completed an internship at Bay View Hospital in Newport Beach. Then she returned to Chico where she earned her Master's degree in recreational therapy and speech rehabilitation. After completing her Master's degree she earned her Recreational Therapist license. Chico was also where she met her future husband, Steffen Nelson. They had been married for nine years. Colleen worked as a Recreation Therapist at the Arc of Butte County for 7 years. She was a past board member at Paradise STRIVE Center. Her current position was the Mobile Activities Specialist for the social skills training program at the Work Training Center. She found working with the special needs community very fulfilling and she touched many lives. Colleen enjoyed knitting and making jewelry. She won an award for her handmade earrings at The Butte County Fair in 2012. She spent much of her time with their lovable black Labrador retriever "Maggie Dog." She and Steffen really enjoyed outdoor activities, such as participating in 5Ks and bike rides. They also enjoyed cruising the Pacific Ocean to Mexico and Alaska with Colleen's parents and going on train excursions through the Feather River Canyon and Klamath Falls. Colleen was devoted to her participation in water aerobics at In Motion Fitness where she developed a network of close friends. Colleen participated in Weight Watchers where she was very successful and inspiring to others. Visitation will be held Friday, December 6, 2013 from 5-7 p.m. and the rosary will be said at 7 p.m. at Brusie Funeral Home, 626 Broadway, Chico, CA. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2013, at 10 a.m. at Our Divine Savior Catholic Church, 566 East Lassen Ave., Chico, CA. Burial will immediately follow at Chico Cemetery, 881 Mangrove Ave., Chico, CA. A memorial service in El Centro will be held on December 17th at 7 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Memorial contributions can be made to the Chico Cat Coalition in honor of Colleen's love for animals. Colleen was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Herbert and Miriam Gocke; paternal grandparents, William and Marcella Roach; and her aunt, Yvette Gocke. She is survived by her husband, Carl Steffen Nelson, of Chico, CA.; mother and father, Dr. James and Cecelia Roach of El Centro, CA.; sister, Kathleen Roach of El Centro, CA.; and numerous other relatives and friends. Colleen's smile and happiness will continue to live on through those that she loved. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.BrusieFH.com