COLLEEN PAWLOWSKI

Colleen Ann Pawlowski (Mahoney) 83 of Neenah, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on December 14, 2023 after a brief battle with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Colleen was born May 14, 1940, to Harold and Lucille Mahoney. She grew up in Neenah where she met the “love of her life”, Tom.

Tom and Colleen were wed June 16, 1962 and settled in Neenah where they raised two sons, Thomas and Peter.

Colleen had worked at Banta for a time but she was most proud of her 21 years with Theda Clark Hospital. She began there as the ER secretary working nights. She had many stories to tell from  her time in this position. She was promoted to Executive Secretary to the Heart Centers Vice President which was a job she truly loved. She made many great friends here. Theda Clark was forever a part of her life. Colleen was also a life member of their Auxiliary. It was a perfect volunteer opportunity for her as she loved to help others.

Colleen had a real love for the written word. She liked to read- but truly loved to write, we all know the love she shared via her cards and letters often stuffed with clippings she saw that made her think of you- along with the card glitter. We cannot help but smile when thinking of all the card glitter!

Colleen loved the reciprocation and decorated her table with all the cards she received around her birthday or holidays.

Colleen loved her home and took such joy in decorating for the holidays. She did all she could to make the world a little brighter.

Colleen enjoyed her yard and the beauty of the changes of season. She had many photos of her trees and how the falling leaves made her backyard glow. She and Tom shared this love of nature.

Colleens friends were so very dear to her, she took every opportunity to spend time together. Colleen was lucky to  have so many people she cared about, yet certain special relationships stood out. Joyce, Erliss, Susan, Charlotte, and Maryann all made such a difference with their gift of love and friendship.

We want to say thank you to the ICU staff at Theda Clark. These people fought hard and took such good care of Colleen and the family in her final days. No words can express this gratitude.

Thank you Tracey Gauthier for everything you did for Colleen in her life and all you continue to assist with in her memory. Words are not sufficient here either.

Colleen leaves behind her two sons- Thomas Pawlowski II, and Peter Pawlowski (Dana), her beloved grandchildren Paige Pawlowski (June) and Kevin Pawlowski, her brother Peter Mahoney (Eileen), along with nieces and nephews- Pete Mahoney (Kate), Ryan Mahoney (Marni), Amy (Mike), Lisa (Greg), and Brian (Jane). Colleen is preceded in death by her husband Tom and her brother Mike.

A celebration of Colleen's life is being planned in spring of 2024.

Colleen had written a final thought:                               

So when tomorrow starts without me,

Don't think we are far apart.

For every time you think of me-

I am right here in your heart.