Colleen Marie Kridle

Colleen Marie Kridle, loving mother of Carol M. Mullins (Patrick), Thomas K. Kridle (Bekah), Timothy B. Kridle, Janet M. Quinn (Larry), and Cynthia L. Kridle Conway (Chris), entered into eternal rest on March 16, 2025, at the age of 96. Colleen is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, relatives, and dear friends. Colleen was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard John Kridle; her parents, Dr. Raymond F. Shanahan and Agnes Gleason Shanahan; her sister and brother-in-law Marian Gudridge (Ernest); and her sisters Dianne Calderwood and Margaret Shanahan.

Colleen was born on September 11, 1928, in Minnesota, and grew up in the small town of Delano, Minnesota, where her father was the town dentist. A lifelong Catholic, she attended Catholic elementary school, public high school, and completed her dietetics degree at the Catholic College of St. Benedict, in St. Joseph, Minnesota, where she served as student body president in her senior year. After receiving her degree and serving her internship, Colleen moved to Denver, Colorado, not knowing a soul, and created a life for herself, working as a registered dietician and making many friends.

Colleen’s friends introduced her to a handsome young engineer, Bernie Kridle, and they were married in 1953. Colleen and Bernie proceeded to have 4 children in 5 years, and one more bonus baby 7 years later. Colleen and Bernie attended Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Denver, and sent their children to the church school, where Colleen served as PTA president, Brownie and Cub Scout leaders, CCD teacher, and sang in the choir, among many other activities.

Tragedy struck this happy family in 1971, when Bernie died suddenly of a heart attack, and Colleen was left to raise her brood of five children between the ages of 4 and 16, with the help of her mother. Colleen had devoted herself to being a superlative mother to her children for those 17 years, but then had to re-enter the workforce. She held a number of jobs until she settled into a position as a Law Librarian in downtown Denver. She retired at age 62 to care for her aging mother and provide daycare to her grandchildren. Throughout her life, Colleen was a bright light, with a quick wit, and she gave abundantly to everyone she knew. She was well loved by many, and will be greatly missed. At Colleen’s request, a private family memorial will be held. If you wish to honor her memory, please consider a donation to Colleen's favorite charity, "The Colorado Talking Books Library" or your favorite charity.