Our memories of Colleen are of a warm, kind, and fun loving person. She was the cornerstone of the Australian- Irish connections, and kept in touch with her lovely long and informative letters. We have very happy memories of Colleen’s and Ron’s visit to Ireland in 1991, when we did a grand tour of the country including Kells, County Meath where her mother originated from. We certainly went down memory lane on that visit. The next time we met Colleen and Ron was in New York in 1999 when they visited us during our stay there. We had a wonderful time with them in New York and on a cruise to Bermuda. We were over the moon when the Hook family and the Downes family travelled all the way to Ireland for our son’s John’s wedding to Nina in 2002. We will miss her lovely letters and phone-calls. To Ron, Clive, Matthew, Lynn, Steve, and extended families we extend our deepest sympathy on your great loss. We will always remember and love you Colleen. Until we meet again. Love Gertie and Michael.

There are always always always things to be grateful for. One of these for me is that myself, Glenna & Evan got to spend such lovely times with Colleen, Ron and other family recently which we enjoyed immensely. We have amazing memories (and photos) of happy days spent together, never mind the great chats & interesting stories which Colleen and Ron shared with us in the evenings. A second thing to be grateful for is that Colleen got to go home to her own house and to see all her family who she loved so much, before she died. Lynn, Ron & Clive played a huge part in making this happen and should take great comfort knowing this made Colleen so much happier. A third thing to be grateful for is that Colleen met and married such a lovely man as Ron Hook (and not the other Ron!) as they seemed to me to be the perfect match. I alway felt the silly season had properly commenced once I received my Christmas card from Coll & Ron in Oz and I was absolutely determined this year that I would send mine for once in a timely manner. When I think of Colleen, a few things really stick out in my mind - her lovely long letters, her delicious pavlovas and how glamourous she always was (we have all seen and admired the Hollywood couple photo!) When you think about it, it was Colleen who brought all the family, particularly the Irish side together all those years ago and kept us all in touch over the years. Despite being quite frail in recent times, Colleen still had her fighting spirit and was as welcoming, interesting, engaging and glamorous as ever. She always went out of her way to look after us and would with such pride update us on the news regarding her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren as well as Lynn, Steve and their family and the new babies too, all of whom gave her such joy! My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her beloved husband Ron, Clive, Matt & all of your families & also to her dear sister Lynn, Steve & all your family on the loss of such an incredibly special lady. Words don't really count for much at this sad time, but I hope you take great comfort in knowing that you were always there for her particularly when she really needed it. Colleen, we love & will miss you terribly. Rest in Peace Darl. Lots of Love, Lisa xxxxx

Our fondest memory of Colleen is that of someone with endless warmth, welcome & generousity. When we arrived in Australia, both Colleen & Ron were there to meet us, and over the 4 years we stayed the support never waned. We hadn't planned to stay in Sydney that long, but who needs a plan when you have a family away from family, and such great people taking you under their wing. Colleen, you were one of a kind, and you lived life on your terms. Always an inspiration, we will miss you dearly, and when we can, we will try and emulate how you lived life.