"I saw Colleen shortly before I went on my vacation, and it was during that vacation that I found out Colleen was fatally injured. I was so shocked and saddened about this, as like everyone else. Colleen was always a kind hearted person, always saying hello with a wonderful smile. I remember her always around Country Thunder weekend because she always had on country music when she was at the desk and she would always comment on the upcoming event. When I would ask her about her daughter McKenzie, how her face would light up. Colleen will be sorely missed by everyone who has met her. God has truly called another one of his angels home, unfortunately for the ones left to mourn her death, it was too soon. Colleen, may you rest in peace, and your family be comforted in knowing that you will forever watch over them----"
In loving memory of
Colleen Nicole Doyle
A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 A.M., Saturday, July 16, 2011 at Gateway Christian Church, 1900 N. Sycamore, Roswell, NM for Colleen Nicole Doyle of Phoenix, AZ (formerly of Roswell). Colleen passed away July 3, 2011 as the result of a traffic accident in Texas. Troy Grant of Berrendo Baptist Church will officiate. Colleen was born in Roswell September 6, 1982 to Jim and Jane (Oberwortmann) Meeker. She attended school in Roswell from Kindergarten through High School, graduating from Goddard High School in 2001. Colleen continued her post-secondary education at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, AZ where she received certification as a Health Unit Coordinator. Maricopa Integrated Health employed her. Colleen was pursuing further studies in the field of health care and was about to enter her second year in Gateway Community College's Medical Radiography Program. Colleen met Mike Doyle, the man who was to become her soul mate, through an on-line service and they had their first date on April 6, 2008. Colleen considered Mike her best friend. They were totally at ease around each other and enjoyed every moment that they could together, despite their busy schedules. Colleen and Mike had just celebrated their first wedding anniversary on May 29th of this year. Although they had been married a short time, they had a relationship that anyone would envy. Colleen and Mike were further blessed by the birth of their daughter, Mckenzie Shayd Doyle, born October 11, 2009. Mckenzie is a very happy, contented, and well-behaved toddler. Those of us who had the good fortune to observe them operate as a family unit were amazed at how naturally they acquired their wonderful parenting skills. They engaged in a variety of activities that provided many opportunities for fun and laughter. At the same time, Colleen and Mike had an uncanny ability to instill discipline without harshness. They had quickly built a strong foundation for their family to grow upon and thrive. Colleen was, in turn, a blessing for her parents and was the focus of their love and attention. They enjoyed every moment observing and nurturing her development from infancy into a capable independent woman with a family of her own. They are so proud. Colleen was an awesome wife, mother, student, and employee. She managed her varied responsibilities with remarkable results. She was excelling in the Medical Radiology program at GCC, which can be extremely demanding. Mike made many sacrifices to help her in the pursuit of her career goals but neither of them forgot that family was the first priority. Colleen's grandfathers, Robert Hugh Meeker and G. H. (Mike) Oberwortmann, preceded her in death along with her aunt Patricia McCullough. Left behind to forever hold her in their hearts are her husband Michael Scott Doyle and daughter Mckenzie Shayd Doyle of the home in Phoenix, Arizona; her parents, James Hugh Meeker and Jane Elizabeth (Oberwortmann) Meeker of Roswell; grandmothers, Josephine Harmon of Roswell, and Rita "Gaga" Oberwortmann of Harlingen, TX; father-in-law John Doyle of Phoenix; mother-in-law Patty Quirk and her fiancée, Jeff Shaffer of Surprise, AZ; an uncle, Mark Oberwortmann and family of Port Isabel, TX; an aunt, Beverly Cantwell and family, of Bakersfield, CA; brother-in-law, Stephen Doyle; Sisters-in-law, Tonja Smith and family, and Crystal Doyle and family all of Phoenix; along with the numerous relatives comprising her extended family. Colleen acquired many friends over the years and maintained many of those friendships long-term. She was, also, close with many of her co-workers and classmates. She felt great respect for the faculty in the Medical Radiography Program at Gateway Community College. The staff at John C. Lincoln Hospital, where she was doing her clinical practice made her feel like part of the family there and that experience was a big part of why Colleen felt so confident and satisfied in her career choice. Colleen would want her comrades in the health care field along with her long-time friends to be included as part of her family. This is a tragic loss for all those who knew and loved Colleen. She and her family were on the threshold of what would have been the happiest times of their lives and would have produced an abundance of additional cherished memories. Having said that, those who knew her can take comfort in the fact that she had accomplished so much and was at a very happy and fulfilled place in her life. An account has been opened in Mckenzie's name at: First American Bank, P.O. Box 1857, Roswell, NM 88202. Proceeds from the account will be used to fund a trust created for her benefit. Also, a memorial scholarship fund has been set up in Colleen's name. Please have checks made out to: Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation/Colleen Doyle Scholarship. All donations are tax deductible. Send to: GateWay Community College, Attn: Kristin Gubser, 108 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to either of the funds described above or to the charity of your choice in Colleen's name. There will also be a funeral service held in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, July 23, 2011. Arrangements in Phoenix are being handled by Hansen Mortuaries and the service will take place at the Hansen Chapel located at 8314 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020.
Tributes
"We will miss our sweet, Colleen! She was a shining star at our college and in our classrooms every day! She will be missed so much and will be remembered for her wonderful personality, amazing work ethic, exceptional academic skills, and smiling face among so many other wonderful qualities! xoxo We love you, Colleen! Nicolle Hightower"
"My heart is aching for you in this so very difficult time! Duane Evans was kind enough to send me this sad news. I am so very sorry and will keep you in prayers. No one can express enough sympathy for you during this time and give you much comfort so prayers are the only thing that we can do. Thinking and praying for you."
"She was a great student and mother and wife. You will be missed."
"Know that we are are thinking of you all constantly and holding you close in our hearts. Losing who you love is so hard - I found this a long time ago. " Perhaps they are not stars in the sky - but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy." With love, Bev."
"From reading the obituary, I know that Colleen’s was a life well-lived and that she is surrounded by love. God bless her family."
"I just saw you a few weeks ago. I can?t believe you?re gone! I still think to call you at times, then remember that you?re not here. You were my best friend. I was so lucky to have you as my sister. You were such an amazing person. Nothing ever got you down. You were there for me anytime I needed some one to talk to. You were a very good momma for Mckenzie. You and Mike were a perfect match - so funny together. I have had soo much fun with you. I wish we were able to do more together. We will never forget you, we will miss you always. It?s hard to say good-bye. So, I?ll see you later."
"Jim & Jane, Mike & McKenzie, Aunt Jo, What a blessing to get to know Colleen, first @ the Collins reunion & then @ the wedding. She has left a precious gift for each of you in McKenzie. This are difficult days but please know you each are remembered & prayed for. May you feel the peace & comfort that only Jesus can give."
"Colleen, I cannot believe I won’t see you inclass anymore sittin behind me next to Lacie and us talking between classes. Talking about school, clinicals, and life. You eating your fruit before lab and Chad making fun of how much cantaloup you could fit in your mouth. You were so sweet, caring, brilliantly smart, and extremely talented in radiology. You were always smiling. Working with you in lab I could tell that you really loved what you were doing. I wish what everyone else does...more time with you. I know you’re up there flying freely with the angels now and one day we’ll met again."
"Colleen, You were always such a sweet person and always a good friend. I wish that we kept in touch more after graduation, but atleast I got to talk to you in the last couple of years. You will be very missed and we will all love you always."
"Collen always has a special place in my heart. She was always so much to be around...I loved her smiling face when I would walk into work. My favorite memory of Colleen was anytime George Strait’s "Give it Away" song came on the radio she would yell out "Amy!" to let me know it was on and to come listen. It was so funny that she would do that. I know how much she cherished her family, Mckenzie was her world! She was such a good wife and mom and the world will be a smaller place without her here. I can only hope her spirit looks down on this earth and guides those she knew home again, where she surely is."
"Dearest Jane and Jim, My heart was broken to see of the death of Colleen in today’s paper. Please know that many people love you and are praying for you. Sincerely, Nancy Brownfield Corn"
"Colleen will be missed by all at JCL Tatum. She was an amazing person and student. I will miss her greatly. God Bless!"
"Dear Jane, Jim, Mike and McKenzie, It is with a very sad heart that we send our thoughts and prayers to all of you in the the loss of Colleen from our extended family. Know that her memory and my experience at the beautiful wedding will always be with me. We will remember all of you as we face the coming days. Even thought miles separate us we are there in spirit. Colleen was a beautiful person. May God bless you all."
"We were devastated to get news of this tragic, senseless loss. Although I’d not met Colleen, we were graced to have her parents visit with us several years ago when they were researching our common Oberwortmann heritage here in Missouri. Jane & I are 4th cousins. A huge hole is suddenly left in a large, loving, extended family. I have shared this information with my Finke-Oberwortmann (Berger, Missouri, based) relatives, who are sending me word of their condolences. We will also try to get a postal address for sending cards. May the healing touch of God’s Presence be there for each of you, as you struggle to find the next step in Life’s journey. You are never alone! Sent with Love and concern, -DHF"
"This is so unfair, so not real. I miss you so much Colleen. I was there for so many first’s for you. I am so happy that I got to expierence my life with you. I will never forget you, and will help in never letting McKenzie forget you. I am so happy that I got to see you so happy with Mike and McKenzie. I love you so much..I cant beleive I wont see you again. This is such a tragic loss, but you have opened so many people’s eyes to how precious life is and how we shouldn’t take a moment for granted. I love you, Colleen and I will miss you forever. You always made me laugh, smile, and were there for me when I needed a shoulder to cry on. I miss you..."
"Colleen, I just can’t belive that you are gone. Just a few weeks ago we were texting back and forth. I know we will see each other again and that you are in heaven watching over your family and friends. I love you and I will miss you every day. Love, Meredith"
"I am so happy i met Colleen, and more happy that she was a part of my life. I will always think of her when i look at Mckenzie. I love you Colleen Dad Doyle"
"I had the pleasure of working with Colleen at Maricopa Medical Center.. what a wonderful woman! we worked opposite shifts, and I enjoyed our chats.. she was so proud of her beautiful daughter, and so excited about her husband! it feels like someone turned off the lights because her smile was just that- a beacon of light.. I’ll cherish my memories of her, and miss her much.. sleep in peace, sweet Spirit; you’ll always be in my heart....."
"My heart is with you with Jim and Jane. I know not what to say as words are meaningless at this time. May you find comfort in you memories of Colleen, and with love from your families."
"I loved Colleen with all my heart. She was after all my only Neice but I loved her for who she had become not for who she was. I thank her for Mckenzie a true blessing. Its just too hard to say more. I’m Sorry"