McCook Daily Gazette: Local News: McCook councilwoman dies (10/12/09)

McCook City Councilwoman Colleen S. Grant, 62, died of natural causes, County Attorney Paul Wood said this morning.

She was discovered dead in her home in McCook Friday. No autopsy is planned.

"All city staff is very saddened by this sudden loss of a dear friend and leader," said Kurt Fritsch, McCook city manager. "Colleen was a wonderful down-to-earth person who had a great deal of passion for both this community and the people of McCook. She will be remembered fondly and missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with her children and their families."

Colleen S. Grant

"Colleen was a true servant of the people," said Mayor Dennis Berry. "In addition to her service on the city council she was an advocate for the less fortunate in our community. She volunteered freely. She will be missed."

Ms. Grant was elected to the McCook City Council in 2006.

A McCook native, she worked as a telephone operator, real estate agent and in the school system.

Besides serving on the council, she was took part in many community activities such as theater, Heritage Days and toy chest, and served on the McCook Housing Board and McCook Economic Development Corp.

She is survived by two sons and a daughter, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Memorial United Methodist Church, with Herrmann Funeral Home in McCook in charge of arrangements.

Stephen, Greg, and Lisa - I haven't seen your mom for about a year now, but we talked often. I knew she was always there with a great big heart, and a lot of time to listen. We had some great times together over the years, and helped each other through some not-so-great times. With the three of you and my two, we were always hopping! Games, church, summer activities, walking at night to lose weight, burning up the kitchen, covering for your friends when they got drunk, seeing who could gather the biggest stack of fabric. Then, the all-night Scrabble games with our Apple Schniders. Always looked forward to her visits. Gosh I hate knowing there will be no more. I'm sure she wasn't afraid to go, just hated leaving you all behind.

Barb Hruza

-- Posted by pikegirl on Sun, Oct 11, 2009, at 9:35 AM

Colleen will be missed by all who knew her. I know I will miss her and was looking foward to seeing her in 2010.

-- Posted by gary on Tue, Oct 13, 2009, at 9:45 AM

Other responses from direct emails follow:

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Lynne Reid Nylander (IP address 65.167.248.220) wrote the following comment in response to the story "Colleen S. Grant" (http://www.mccookgazette.com/story/1577955.html):

I couldn't believe when Colleen and I "found" each other in Aurora way back in 1977!! She was as friendly then as when we were good friends at McCook High. Jay and I are shocked and saddened by her early death. It was such fun seeing her at the Friday noon "alumni" gathering at Schnerts (sp??); and for that matter ALL the class of '65 who gather for those luncheons. Our class is better for having Colleen part of us and we will remember her always.

Lynne and Jay Nylander

I would like to put this into your paper since I can't be there.

My cousin Colleen Grant was a wonderful friend, the sister I never had. We were close as kids but went our own way to find our destiny. When I was in McCook recently it was so wonderful being with her.

She came back home to accomplish so very much. Her life was finally so rich and full. She was a funny, smart and great diplimat & teacher. I've heard she was great on the stage too. She infected everyone with her wit, and charm. Her love and caring personality will leave a huge hole in my heart and no doubt everyone who knew her

That was my cousin, I will never forget the effect she had on my life, and I am a better person to have had her in it. I'll miss you girl.

BilleGean Grant

-- Posted by newdawn on Wed, Oct 14, 2009, at 7:35 AM