Colleen Gatz Obituary

Dearest Colleen ,

Its been a year since you've been

gone. It seems like yesterday when

we were all together and you were

so happy. Did you know something

we didn't? When it is our turn we

will know what you know.

Coll, we still miss you and think

of you a whole lot. So many things

have happened this past year. Wish

you could have been here to share

them with us, but we know you were

with us in spirit.

Colleen be proud of the job you

did with your kids. They made you

proud. They couldn't have done it

without you. Your job was finished

here on earth but continues from

above. Please watch over and care

for your kids and all of us.

We love you always and will never

forget you.

Love,

Uncle John and Auntie Mar

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006

Colleen –



It is so hard to believe that you are gone one year. I think of you every day, and I miss you so much that it hurts. I feel like I can still call you on the phone and just talk. Thank you for being such a wonderful Sister to me. I love you and always will.



This past October, Frank and I participated in the Ron Santo Juvenile Diabetes Walk for a Cure, and we were proud to walk in your memory. We raised a lot of money, and we felt your presence. I got the opportunity to meet Ron Santo. This year, I will make this walk a bigger event for our family and friends!!!



Thank you for coming to me in several dreams, in which you indicated you were happy and at peace. You told me in one dream that “People do not realize their happiness.” I need to remember that – what a powerful message.



Coll, You are always in my heart and in my thoughts. Please watch over us and help us get through life.



Brian

Mom!!



Not a day goes by, that I dont think of you! you have always been here and will always be here for me. I cannot thank you enough for making me the person that I am today. I blame all of my success on you! You were and are the BEST mother that ANYONE could EVER ask for. I love you with ALL of my heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To our Dearest Daughter, Colleen,



This message to you is to mark the First Anniversay of your death, May 29, 2005.



Honey, it has been a year since God called you, but what is a year? It seems like yesterday that you were with us, smiling, laughing, and looking forward to the summer. You were planning on planting flowers in your yard over the Memorial Day holiday. As far as your health, you were finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. You were so full of life on your last day, May 28th, 2005. Then on Sunday, May 29th, the news of your passing came and we were all devastated, shocked in disbelief that you were gone. It was like a knife pierced our hearts. No, it couldn't be!! Colleen did not die. It is a bad dream, a nightmare, and someone will come and wake us up and all will be right with the world again. But it wasn't so. You were gone, Colleen. Oh God, no!! Now it is already a year since God called you, but why does it seem only like yesterday? The pain we all feel doesn't seem to go away. Some days it is more intense that others, but it is always there. On the other hand, it is comforting to know you are with God, that you have no more pain and suffering, and that you are not alone. You are with your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends who have come and gone in your life. Give them all our regards and love.



We also marked your first anniversary with a mass offered in your memory at St. Alberts on May 29th. Jason, Nicole, Jeff, Dennis, Dennis and Rene, Brian and Frank, Auntie Mar and Uncle John, Theresa and me and Dad were there. After mass we went to the cemetery to visit you and then we went to breakfast at the Southern Belle. We asked for a table for 13 and when we all sat down, we noticed there were 14 seats. We all looked and said Mom's with us. You were with us, yes you were. Then we joked when Nikki asked, "Who is paying the bill"? and we said, why of course, "Mom is paying the bill". Laughter broke out. Yes, Colleen, you are thought of at our get togethers and spoken of and kidded about, so you are there with us.



On Tuesday, May 30th, another mass was offered in your memory at SS Cyril and Methodius with Father Larry, our pastor presiding. I sat near the offertory gifts and carried them to Father Larry. I then told him that it was your one year anniversary and he said, "I know". He had made the mass so beautiful, personal and gratifying. During the Kiss of Peace he extended his hand to me in peace as I was in the front and there were not too many people in church that day. After mass, Father Larry extended an invitation to all to receive the sacrament of annointing of the sick and I went up to the front with the others. After the little prayer service and giving of the oils, Father Larry came over to me, shook my hand, and offered some words of encouragement. We shook hands and I could not hold back the tears and then he hugged me. Oh God, how I wished it was you there with me getting the hug. The healing was for anyone who need physical help or spiritual help. I did feel comforted with the masses and prayers and thoughts of you.



Colleen, you would be so proud of Jason, Nikki, Jeff and your godson, Dennis who graduated from St. Alberts on May 26th. Nikki is graduating on Saturday, June 3rd. Of course, you should be here to see these events, but you were and will be even though we can't see you. Colleen, watch over your children and keep them safe. They need you now and miss you so much. Somehow let them know you are with them. Give them each a sign of your presence.



We all love you today as we did yesterday and as we will tomorrow.

When you left us to go with God, a big hole was left in our hearts, but we try to fill it with happy memories of you and celebrate your life. But the pain just doesn't seem to go away even though it brings us comfort and peace knowing you are with Our Lord and that He is taking care of you. I also have asked Grandma and Grandpa Stawoney to take care of you for us as well and that you are all taking care of each other.



So to our dearest and precious daughter, Colleen, you are now our own Guardian Angel and you still have a job to do. Watch over your children and guide them and keep them safe from all harm. Be their inspiration in making wise choices in life so they may be happy. They love you and always will and no one can take your place in their hearts.



So Honey, until we meet again as God has planned and promised, May God bless you and keep you in His care always, Please pray for all of us and May God allow you to be our Guardian Angel along with our parents, grandparents, and all our loved ones who have gone before us. Dearest Colleen, your birthday is coming soon on August 9th so here's wishing you a most Happy Birthday with Jesus. May you rest in peace. Amen.



From all of us to you, Sweetheart,

a kiss, a hug, and all our love now and into eternity and beyond.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006

To our Dearest & Newest Angel Colleen:

Heavenly birthday wishes are sent

to you. Wish you could have been

here with us today to celebrate that day and grow old with us, but

God has bigger and better plans for

you. Know that you are loved and

missed very much Colleen and you will always remain in our hearts.

Remember us all as we will and do remember you. We won't say goodbye Coll, but just say Rest in Peace

until we meet again. Happy Birthday

Love You Always,

Uncle John and Auntie Mar

To my dearest aunt and godmother,

you will always be with me in my

heart. i will never forget you and i miss you very much.

we had many good times and i will always remember what you did for me.

Dear Colleen,



Saying Good-By is not easy, considering that you were truly a Gift for all of us to share.May God our Father in Heaven love You just a little bit more. Right now, I can't say Good-By but only Good Night & Sweet Dreams.



Love you,



Uncle Len





P.S. HUNKA,HUNKA BURNING LOVE------------(FOREVER!!!!!!)

xoxoxoxoxoxo

To My Sweetie,



You were the Strongest Person of Mind & Heart that I have ever known. You were truly a Gift from God. You will always be in my Heart.





Love,



Auntie Ann

To Our Sweet Colleen,



It gives us Great Comfort to know that you are in the Safety & Warmth of our Loving Saviour's Arms, where there is no Pain or Suffering, only Love,Joy & Peace. We will Love You & Miss You Forever.



Loving You Forever,



Uncle Len & Auntie Ann

Dear Colleens Family,



I am sorry for your recent loss and wished I had known about your loss sooner in which I could have paid my respects in person. My deepest sympathies are with each of you during this time. You have my upmost thoughts and prayers during this mourning period of time.

To Colleen's family,

I am so deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Colleen. Although we haven't kept in touch over the years I will never forget any of you. I remember our visits together, especially Colleen laughing. May good memories and the grace of God comfort all of you. You are in my prayers.

To Nicole Gatz and her brothers.

I have only met you this year thru school functions and must believe that your mom was a very special person to have such a wonderful daughter. I am glad my son has such a good friend in you. My deepest sympathy to your family and my thoughts are with you in your time of loss.

I would just like to express my deepest sympathy to Colleen's children and family. I grew up with Colleen and have many found memories of our childhood that I will always treasure. As a child I knew that Colleen was a good person and very good friend, and I'm sure as an adult she was an even stronger and better person. My prayers are with all of you at this time and will continue to be with you.

I just heard about Colleen. I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Colleen will be missed by all of us. You are in our pray. If there is anything I can do for you, Aunt Rose and Uncle Frank, do not hestiate to call me. Love always.

Rene,

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I remember your sister and what a bright person she was.



Lisa Holt-Powers

Kennedy H/S

Class of 1981

Grownig up with Colleen, Rene' and Brian has left me with wonderful childhood memories. Colleen was truly an angel - always kind, loving and compassionate. I know she is no longer suffering, something she endured for years. Heaven is now a better place because she is there. My heartfelt sympathies to Rose, Frank, Rene', Brian, Jason, Nicole, Jeff, Mare, John, and everyone who knew and loved her. Love, Debbie Farganus-Kohs

To Colleen's Family,

I feel truly blessed to have known Colleen. She taught me how to laugh even if times get tuff. I never passed the Gatz home without thinking of Colleen and I will continue to think of her each day as I pass by. The Morris Family is so sorry for your loss and please let us know if we can help in anyway. God Bless You and Comfort You

Dear Colleen, I am humbled by your suffering. You soldiered on inspite of many illnesses, each one of which would have disabled a lesser person. Your courage and kindness stand as an inspiration. I will hold you in my heart always.

To my loving sister to who had a heart of gold. She is forever in our hearts.

To my loving sister, I am truly blessed to have a wonderful sister whom had a heart of gold. We will miss her greatly. She is never forgotten in our hearts.

Our deepest sympathies to the entrie family on the loss of Colleen. Her love and humor will always be remembered. She will be truely missed. She will be in our hearts and thoughts forever.

Love,

The Ryniec Family

Although our sorrow is great, we know you are now in a peaceful place with no more pain and suffering.

It's not easy saying "Goodbye" to a good friend that I loved and admired. There will always be a special place in my heart for her and all the struggles she had to endure. My deepest condolences to Colleen's family.



Love,

Kim

Jeff and Family,

We are so sorry about your mom if you need anything anytime we are here for you.

Joe Burke and Family