Colleen Harrington

On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, Colleen Marie Kelly, loving mother of four children, passed away at the age of 68, after a six-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Colleen was born at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California on November 5, 1952 to John B. Kelly and Joan (nee Bryan) Kelly and was the oldest sister of Kathleen and Maureen. After high school, Colleen attended college at the University of California, Irvine, and ultimately received her Associate of Nursing degree from Golden West College. Colleen dedicated her life to serving others in her role as a nurse, first in labor and delivery, and towards the end of her career, in nuclear medicine. She was the proud mother of four children, son Bryan, daughters Hilary and Aubrey, and stepson Christopher, and doting grandmother to five grandchildren, Kellan, Mina, Henley, James, and Arrow. At the time of her death, she was also mom to two feline fur babies, Sidecar and Pantera, whom she adored and spoiled. Colleen was known for her kind heart and thoughtful spirit. She was always the first person to send an encouraging greeting card or meaningful gift to support those she loved. She treasured the holidays and spent countless hours decorating her home (hers could make Martha Stewart jealous!), wrapping presents to perfection, and cooking elaborate meals to make the holidays with her family and friends feel extraordinarily special. Colleen loved to talk and could always be found striking up a conversation, from daily calls to her daughters and friends, to chats with her neighbors, nurses, and other care providers. Her warmth was infectious, and it was cherished by those lucky enough to be on the receiving end. Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Joan Kelly, and sister, Maureen Therese Kelly. She is survived by her sister, Kathleen Kelly; children, Christopher Harrington, Hilary Hahn, Bryan Harrington, and Aubrey Harrington; daughters in-law, Justine Harrington and Bree Harrington; son in-law, Derrick Hahn; grandchildren, Kellan Harrington, Mina and James Hahn, and Henley and Arrow Harrington; partner, Laszlo Melan; father of her children, Dwight Harrington, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 22, 2021 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Alderman Road in Charlottesville at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Colleen's memory to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Compassionate Cremation Services of Virginia is handling the arrangements.

Colleen Harrington

November 5, 1952 - September 21, 2021