After a long struggle with dementia, Colleen Y. Trinder, age 79, passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of March 28, 2017, surrounded by her children. To the end, she retained her sense of humor, wit and incredible love for her children.
Colleen was born December 31, 1937, to Claude Trinder and Hazel Akers in Poplar, Montana. She grew up in Helena and spent summers on the family farm in Poplar. Colleen graduated from high school in Helena and attended McConnel Airline School in Minneapolis and became a flight attendant for Capitol Airlines based in Washington D.C. Her travels as a flight attendant took her to many locations across the country. She later returned to Helena and worked for the Independent Record in advertising. It was there she met and married Jerry Ryan and together for 29 years they raised three children, Lori, Kelly and Jerry (Butch).
She attended Western Montana College and graduated with a B.S. in Art Education. She pursued her artistic passion as an artist and shared her love of color and design by teaching others to discover their hidden creative talents. She taught school in Sandpoint, Idaho; Poplar, Dillon, and Helena, Montana. Many will always remember her talents, special contributions, and her willingness to share and give to others in the community. She was one of those extraordinary talented people whose talents never stopped giving. She never missed a birthday and sent many cards and care packages that always included her special oatmeal cookies. We will always cherish her hand-penned notes and her beautiful handwriting.
Colleen is survived by her three children: daughter, Lori Ryan (Tim Strozzi), and sons, Kelly Ryan (Alanne) and Butch Ryan (Shauna). Grandchildren: Chris, Ryan and John McGowan, Kadee, Maria and Rachel Ryan and Cooper, Walker and Carly Ryan. Great grandchildren: Keslie, Clancy McGowan, Elli Ryan, Aaden Peterson, Amiya Ryan and Kelly Ryan. Sister: Marlene Trinder and nieces, Claudene and Michaelene Britt.
Colleen has been reunited and welcomed home to her loving parents Claude and Hazel, along with many other loved ones who passed before her.
Mom reminded us to always make the effort to care for each other and remember that at one time we partly belonged to her and that piece would always hold us together. She is now our angel and as we move forward together in life we cherish her words and know she is with us always. We love you always, Mom.
We would like to thank Our House for the exceptional care and love mom received during her long journey with dementia.
A family graveside service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on July 21, 2017, at Sunset Memorial Gardens followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at Anderson, Stevenson & Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Avenue, Helena, MT.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday July 21, 2017
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of Her Life
Following the Graveside Service
Friday July 21, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Rhonda Robertson says
Dear Lori and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and the struggles that your Mom endured over the last several years. I hope that all the fond memories you hold close within your heart will cause you to smile when those times come where you wish you could just hug and hold her. You have my sincere and deepest sympathy.
Rhonda Robertson (Strainer-Score)
Roxanne Gourneau says
Lori and Kelly I was very saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. Reading her life’s achievements triggered memories of your grandmother and a time of closeness between families. Prayers for all the family
Carolyn Miller says
Lori,
So sad to hear about your Mom. I know you two shared a deep love for each other. We are wrapping our hearts around you in prayer and keeping you close.
Carolyn & Scott Miller
leta atkinson says
Lori, Kelly & butch , my heart goes out to you all with all my love & prayers, I cherish all the memories we had with your mom and your family when you lived in Poplar, you all became my family, we spent many special times with your family, I especially remember your mom’s Thanksgiving dinner she was the best cook ever I still can taste all the tasty food she cooked mmm! Your mom was one of a kind I loved her she was one of my best friends. God bless with all my love, Leta Atkinson
Kori Dee says
I did not have the privilege of knowing your Mom or family, however I was compelled to send you my condolences because of the beautiful and honoring tribute you wrote about your Mom. Keeping all of you in my prayers and I agree, you have a beautiful, faith filled angel watching over each and every one of you.
Julie & Jim DeMars says
So very sorry to hear of your moms passing,
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers,
Kelly LaFountaine says
Lori,
I am so sorry to hear this. I will keep you in my thoughts. Colleen’s memory will be in my heart forever.
She could sure light up any conversation. I am very blessed to have known her.
Betty D says
I am so sorry for your loss. May the words of our loving heavenly Father bring your family comfort and strength during this most difficult time as He promises to bring our loved ones back to life in a perfect world where there will be no more suffering or death (John 5:28-29 & Revelation 21:4).
Marlene Sangray Wallis says
I was so saddened when I read of Colleen’s passing. We were very good friends in high school. I spent many nights at Colleen’s home. Our senior year we entered a hayride float; then at the Vigilante dance Colleen, Marge Dagel and me (Marlene Sangray) performed a skit where we sang, “We Didn’t Know the Gun was Loaded.” What fun we had. Her dad, Claude, took us water skiing at the Gates of the Mountains in his beautiful boat named “Marlene” after Colleen’s younger sister Marlene. Colleen was so gifted with talent and a true friend. We were fortunate to have met several times following high school and catch up with each others’ lives. My thoughts and prayers to all her family, from Marlene through the great grandchildren. Rest in Peace my friend.
Sissy Clart says
Our thoughts are with Colleen’s family. I worked with Colleen for years and we couldn’t have made it without her positive attitude and willingness to pitch in and help at every turn. I will truly miss her
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
Just a short note to offer our prayers for your family for your loss of your Mom, Colleen. God’s Blessings to you.
Matt & Mary Kunnary
Lorrie Dockins says
My favorite teacher in 9th grade Sandpoint Idaho, I was so sad to see that Colleen had passed away. Fond memories of her class. Colleen was a Phenomenal teacher. Condolences to her children ❤
Lorrie Dockins