Colleen Marie (Gillespie) Avery

Colleen Marie Avery, 71, of West Whately, died peacefully at home after a short illness, surrounded by loved ones. Daughter of the late Eleanor and Anthony Gillespie, Colleen was born and raised in Northampton, Massachusetts. She graduated from Northampton High School and Springfield Technical Community College, and spent over 30 years working for Big Y, most recently in the corporate office. Colleen was a force of love and generosity. She was everybody's mother, an adopter of strays, both animal and human. Colleen worked tirelessly, both professionally and for her family and friends. She loved vacationing on Cape Cod, as well as simply sitting by the fireplace at home with a glass of wine, sharing stories. Giving and proud, Colleen opened her home, so long as it was tidy, to everyone without judgment. She leaves behind her children, Kerry Chambers (Colin), Wade Avery (Rosa), Wyatt Avery (Beth); grandchildren Jonathan, Emily, Elliot, Gabriel, and Ellie; sister Karen Murphy (William, Sr.); niece Kimberly Rivera (Albert) and nephew William Murphy, Jr. (Patrice); her dearest companion, Sharon Zulch; and innumerable friends collected over her lifetime. A celebration of life will be held May 27,2023 from 1-4 at the Summit View Banquet House, 555 Northampton St. Holyoke.

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