Colleen Therese Kealy, age 89, of River Falls, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at Kinnic Health and Rehab on September 5, 2024. Born on September 14, 1934, in Hudson, WI, she was the beloved daughter of John and Katherine (Fable) Ryan. Colleen was the youngest of six girls and grew up on their family farm in rural Hudson. She attended a one-room country school, named Oak Ridge, which was very close to their home. She next attended Hudson High School, graduating as valedictorian with the Class of 1952. She pursued her passion for education at the University of Wisconsin River Falls, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education in 1956.

Colleen married the love of her life, Thomas Edward Kealy, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hudson, WI. Together, they shared a beautiful and enduring marriage of over 60 years, filled with love, faith, and countless cherished memories. Their union was blessed with three sons: Kevin, Patrick, and Michael, who were the light of Colleen’s life.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Colleen lived by the creed of unconditional love and acceptance. Her family was her world, and she was the heart of every gathering. Known for her warmth, kindness, and sense of humor, Colleen had a special gift for making everyone feel welcomed and loved.

Colleen had an unwavering faith and was a dedicated member of her church community. Her life was a testament to her strong Catholic faith, which she lived out daily through her actions, generosity, and compassion for others. She was always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear to those in need.

Next to her family, Colleen’s greatest love was teaching. She began her teaching career in White Bear Lake, MN. She then took some years off to raise her family. In 1982, Colleen went back to teaching, this time in the River Falls School District. She primarily taught kindergarten and first-grade, which she did with great passion and dedication until her retirement in 1997. Colleen touched the lives of generations of children.

She leaves behind her beloved husband, Thomas Kealy; her children, Kevin (Darcy) Kealy, Patrick (Laura) Kealy, and Michael Kealy; and her adored grandchildren: Henry Seiser, Madison Kealy, Mike Kealy, Morgan Kealy, Cleo Kealy, Fischer Kealy, Ryan Kealy, Parker Kealy, and Forest Kealy. Colleen is also survived by her dear sister, Dewey (Ryan) Foster, and many nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Katherine Ryan; their infant son Michael Thomas Kealy, and her sisters, Kathleen Larsen, Patricia Foy, Joan Richie, and Shirley Huser. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy of love, kindness, and faith will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 pm on Monday, October 14, 2024, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 211 E Division St., River Falls, WI 54022. A visitation will begin at 10:00am until the start of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Colleen’s memory to a charity of choice, reflecting her spirit of generosity and love for others. Her gentle soul and unwavering love will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls, for further details please see www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, or call 715-425-5644