Colleen E. (Healy) Nilsson

Narragansett - Colleen (Healy) Nilsson passed away on December 16th 2024. Her bright light lives on through her grown children, her 13 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and the many people lucky enough to have been part of her life.

Colleen was born on July 30th 1943 in Alameda California to Mark and Barbara (Simpson) Healy as her father was waiting to be deployed to the South Pacific. She grew up in Pawtucket, RI, leading her three sisters through childhood and life - Marcia (Archie Mello), Barbara Crockett and Erin Healy.

Colleen married her adoring husband Gus Nilsson in 1970. They moved to Rehoboth, MA, where for many years she reigned over a lively and raucous family of eight children plus many neighborhood kids and family extras. There was always room for more in Colleen and Gus' house, their station wagon, and in their hearts. Their children (and spouses) are: Gary Nilsson (Karen) of Lincoln; Debbie Nilsson (deceased); David Nilsson (Linda) of Lincoln; Daniel MacMaster of Warren; Mark Nilsson (Ashli) of Northport FL; Todd MacMaster (Lisa) of Westport; Chris Nilsson of Narragansett and Molly (MacMaster) Kolb (Michael) of Stafford, VA.

Colleen and Gus had many more adventures including running Bed and Breakfasts in Narragansett and Block Island; travelling in Europe; running a florist business on Block Island; spending winters in Venice, FL and finally settling in Narragansett. Colleen was beautiful, smart, funny, told a great story, and brought her warm glow to any room she entered. Her extensive web of friends and family feel her loss deeply, but we will always carry with us the sparkle of her beautiful blue eyes and the joy she brought to life.

All are welcome to visit with family and retell Colleen stories on Friday, December 20, 2024 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Johnny Cake Center of Hope, 22 Kersey Road, South Kingstown, RI 02879 (https://www.jonnycakecenter.org/) would be appreciated. For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com.

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