Colleen was born to parents Thomas and Mabel O’Brien on Feb. 12, 1947, in Honolulu, HA. She grew up in Salt Lake City, UT and attended Davis High School. She was voted “Happiest” of the class of 1965. She attended Brigham Young University, and would later complete her college degree alongside her eldest daughter in Maine. In 1967, she married U.S. Navy Officer Edward D. Sosnowy. Together, throughout Ed’s Navy career, they raised their three children while living in Pennsylvania, Washington state, Japan, Virginia and Maine.
Colleen had a beautiful smile and compassionate spirit that she shared with family, friends and complete strangers. Throughout her life, she made friends wherever she went; always encircling those around her with her love and generosity. Colleen handled life’s challenges with patience, grace and an unyielding rose-colored glasses philosophy. She was a devoted wife and loving mother who cherished her children, and was a doting grandmother. Colleen loved the season of spring and planting beautiful flower pots that would brighten your day all through spring and summer.
Colleen is survived by her son, Michael Sosnowy of Reading, PA; her daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Benjamin Menair of Brunswick, ME; her daughter Collette Sosnowy of Philadelphia, PA; and her granddaughter Samantha Menair of Brunswick, ME.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ed, and her brother Larry O’Brien.
The family is grateful for condolences. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to HelpHopeLive.org.
Colleen’s memorial service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Reading, PA, on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at 2 p.m. At Colleen’s request, attire is to be a parade of colors.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less