Colleen Teresa Leahy

Colleen Leahy, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully on December 31st, at the age of 85, surrounded by her family. 

She was born in Fargo, North Dakota, to Barton and Agnes (Anderson) Emerson, and was raised alongside three sisters and four brothers. Colleen spent her childhood in Fargo, where she developed a strong sense of responsibility and a deep love for family.

As a young girl, Colleen left school after the eighth grade to care for her mother, Agnes, who had been diagnosed with cancer. Although she never had the opportunity to finish her own schooling, her love for books and knowledge was passed on to her children and grandchildren, who will continue to honor her legacy.

At the age of 18, Colleen married her beloved husband, William (Bill) Leahy, also from Fargo. Their marriage spanned an incredible 60 years, during which they shared countless adventures, challenges, and moments of joy. For 20 years of their marriage, Bill served in the United States Navy, which took the family to numerous locations across the country. During this time, Colleen took on the role of primary caregiver for their children and handled the responsibility of moving the family from place to place, often on a yearly basis.

After retiring, Colleen and Bill (Bunk) moved to the family homestead on Big Cormorant Lake, where Colleen dedicated herself to raising their four children: Lisa, Wanda, Billy, and Wendy. She and Bill shared many happy years together, relishing the simple pleasures of life and family, gardening, playing with the kids and grandkids at the lake, having coffee out on the bricks watching the action at the access and creating lasting memories with their family.

Colleen was known for her exceptional cooking, particularly her fabulous dinners, English muffin breakfast sandwiches, and most importantly pancakes, which became a beloved tradition in the family. And let’s not forget the home brew, crafted on the shores of Big Cormorant! Her warmth, kindness, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Colleen is survived by her children Lisa, Wanda, Billy (Kristi), and Wendy, as well as ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents Barton and Agnes Emerson, and her seven siblings.

Colleen’s memory will live on through her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the countless lives she touched with her love and wisdom. She was a remarkable woman whose impact will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held this summer in honor of Colleen.