Colleen Shambre, of Mansfield, Ohio passed away peacefully at home on February 27, 2024, at the age of 73.
Colleen was born on May 22nd, 1950. She worked for Gorman Rupp for 21 years and Mansfield City Schools for 12. Colleen’s job at the schools was her favorite and the children were everything to her. Colleen loved to be on the beach and around the water. Her happiest times were spent at the Hatch cottage on Oberlin beach with her entire extended family. Colleen also loved to read and always had a big stack of books next to her chair. She was always so generous and willing to lend a book to anyone who asked. Colleen enjoyed spending time at Kingwood Gardens appreciating the beautiful flowers. Attending Catholic Mass and dinner at Lazarus with her parents on Saturday nights was a favorite activity. Colleen loved all dogs, providing loving care to many of her own over the years.
Colleen only saw the best in people. She loved everyone and everyone loved her. Colleen made people feel special and gave the best compliments. She was one in a million and didn’t know a stranger. Colleen lived life on her own terms, was understanding and one of the best friends anyone could have.
Colleen was fiercely loyal and devoted to her large family. She is survived by her husband of 32 years Fred Shambre, beloved son Michael Bechtel and granddaughters Allyssa and Ashleigh Bechtel, stepsons Adam (Shannon), Todd and Tony (Tiffany) Shambre, step grandchildren Josh, Cody, Amanda (Step), Austin, Jenna & Jade and 4 step great grandchildren. Colleen is also survived by her four sisters Linda (Robert) Lyall, Kathleen (Dennis) Moorman, Marianne McNamara & Helen McNamara and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families. Colleen and her best friend through childhood, adolescence and adulthood, Barb Timmer, were inseparable and made tons of memories together.
Colleen was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Eileen McNamara, brother-in-law Paul McClain and mother-in-law Anna Shambre, first husband Jeff Bechtel, and former in law’s Albert and Jean Bechtel.
A Funeral Mass in honor of Colleen will be held in Mansfield on Wednesday, March 6th at 11 am at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church, 60 S. Mulberry Street with a luncheon to follow at the Franciscan Activity Center, 111 W. First Street. A Celebration of Life is also planned at her sister Helen’s home on May 18th. Donations can be made to Saint Peter’s School and Kingwood Center Gardens in Colleen’s name.
Colleen was an amazing woman, a true sweetheart and one of the very best. Her loss is difficult, and we will miss her deeply, but she will always be in our hearts.
Herlihy Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
Funeral Home: Herlihy Funeral Home
Website: www.herlihyfh.com