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In memory of
Myra "Colleen" Colleen Gaver
March 8, 1936 - January 22, 2021
Mar 8, 1936 - Jan 22, 2021
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Colleen's obituary
Colleen was born to Keith and Maude Mullinax on March 8, 1936 in Jefferson County, IL at home. The oldest of 4 children, she played a major role in the family when her mother was working in a factory, and her father worked odd jobs. At 18 years old, despite her shyness, she was ready to leave the small towns around Mt Vernon to bravely make her way in the big city of St. Louis. She lived in a boarding house, and worked in the fashion industry for a while before meeting the love of her life.
Colleen met her husband, Richard (Dick) at church in St. Louis. They married in 1958 at Second Baptist Church and lived in Columbia, Missouri where Dick attended Columbia University finishing his Phd in Chemistry when they adopted their daughter, Joyce. After finishing school, they moved to California, where they adopted their son, Clinton. They settle in San Jose, CA where Dick taught Chemistry at San Jose State University until his retirement in 1991. Colleen, at 40 years old, went back to college to earn her Masters Degree in Business while raising a growing family, and worked in the corporate world as a comptroller, as a Business Education Professor at a local Jr College, and finally owned her own tax business before she retired.
She and Dick had dreamed of and planned to travel when they retired. In 1991, Dick had a major illness that threatened their dreams. After 2 years of major rehab, they were able to travel the world together, visiting Europe, Australia, and Alaska. After Dick's passing, Colleen continued to travel. She was an independent spirit, exploring places like Rome, Paris, and Africa, sometimes traveling single, sometimes with a friend.
In addition to being a dedicated and loving wife and mother, Colleen also loved Church. Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God, making many lifetime friends in Women's Groups and Bible studies. Though her grace and loving kindness will be missed, we know that she is at peace with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colleen is preceded in death by the love of her life, Richard Gaver, her best friend and sister, Julia Carpenter, her brother, Charles Mullinax, and her grandson, Daniel Page. She is survived by her children, Joyce Dunn, Clinton Gaver, her brother, Roger Mullinax and four grandchildren, Jillian Landis, Rebecca Page, Abigail Page and Stephen Page.
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Memories & condolences
I think that one of the things I learned from Colleen was how important it is to keep in touch with your friends. S…
I think that one of the things I learned from Colleen was how important it is to keep in touch wi…
I think that one of the things I learned from Colleen was how …
Joyce; I was saddened to learn about your mother's death and want you to know that we corresponded some up until recen…
Joyce; I was saddened to learn about your mother's death and want you to know that we corresponded…
Joyce; I was saddened to learn about your mother's death and wa…
I met Colleen when we were students at San Jose State in the late 1960s. She, Fran Messenger, Barbara Negron and I w…
I met Colleen when we were students at San Jose State in the late 1960s. She, Fran Messenger, Ba…
I met Colleen when we were students at San Jose State in the lat…
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Created with love by
Joyce Dunn (Colleen's daughter) and
Jillian Aurora.
