Linda Kay Colley's Obituary
Linda Colley, age 73, of Grand Haven, joined her Heavenly Father Wednesday, November 25, 2020, shortly after contracting Covid-19. She was born August 5, 1947 in Grand Rapids to LeRoy and Marguerite (Watters) Chipman.
Growing up, Linda enjoyed ventriloquism, roller-skating, and books. She liked to listen to popular bands, zoom around the roller rink on her skates, or play tennis on warm summer days. She graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1966.
As an adult, Linda took great pride in her children and grandchildren; she will be greatly missed by all. She was, surreptitiously, their biggest fan and enjoyed celebrating their talents.
Cooking was a passion of Linda's. She made strawberry jam and canned pickles in the summer, applesauce in the fall, and her famous turkey and dressing at Thanksgiving.
Linda had a magical way of making moments, big and small, into special events- from holidays to tea parties, to the green and red sprinkled Brown Rim Cookies made for Santa each Christmas. Christmas was always a special time for her, and her children would wake to piles of presents under the tree and stockings hung on the fireplace, overflowing with surprises.
Linda also had a great love for animals. She had a dog, Cocoa, who could ask for a biscuit, and a cat, Custard, who spent every day by her side. At various times, she had goats, horses, cats, and dogs. Her most beloved companion for many years was her cat, Mia, whom she rescued from a shelter and loved with all her heart. Mia now lives with Linda's son, Max, and daughter-in-law, Talia.
Linda had so many wonderful interests and talents. She loved books and reading; her room always had stacks of books of what she was reading all around her. She also loved movies. She would watch her favorites, like The Sound of Music, over and over again. She also loved adventure and travel. She had a European flair to her; amongst her favorite European travels, not surprisingly, was Filzmoos, Austria, majestic with its Alpine mountains. Linda also loved art and enjoyed painting. Her children have paintings she created for them on the walls of their homes. She also enjoyed sculpting and pottery. Her kids enjoy admiring her Nativity Scene every year at Christmas.
Most of all, Linda loved the Lord. She believed in His promises and was passionate about sharing His Word with others. She led many Bible studies and spent her mornings in personal devotions. She loved nature and would walk among the hills and trees and pray. She looked forward to meeting her Savior in heaven and her family is blessed to know she is at peace with her Maker forever.
She is survived by five children: Max (Talia) Colley III, Chandy Colley, Michelle (Mike) Truszkowski, Sarah (Jack) Straayer, and Nathan (Dori) Colley; ten grandchildren: Kelli, Jordan, Matthew, Summer, Elijah, Josiah, Libby, Esther, Bastian, and Rowan; brother, Gary (Jeanne) Chipman; former husband of 26 years, Max Colley Jr.; and her cousins: Debbie (Steve) Burrows, Karen (Steve) Caro, Greg Topp, and Amy Cook. She was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Marguerite, and many aunts and uncles.
Cremation services have been performed. The immediate family will have a private graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery in Lowell where Linda's cremains will be buried beside her parents and grandparents. Memorial contributions in memory of Linda may be given to Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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