Colleen Ann Irwin (Perkins)

Colleen Ann Irwin (Perkins), 69, of Wilbur, passed away Jan. 5, 2009, at Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane, following a brave battle with cancer.

Colleen was born in Seattle on March 10, 1939, to Chet and Juanita Perkins. Colleen grew up in the Seattle area.

In 1981, Colleen met and later married Roy Irwin on July 11, 1982, and moved to Warden. Colleen had always been an avid gardener and quickly became a Washington State University Grant-Adams Extension Master Gardener. In 1985, she became the Master Gardener Coordinator and held that position for 20 years. Colleen retired in 2005 and went home to Lake Roosevelt, where she and Roy had built their beautiful cabin on the lake in Hansen Harbor. Up until her illness, Colleen and Jake, her black Lab, walked daily through Hansen Harbor, talking to all of her many friends along the way and picking up other dogs who wanted to join in on the walk. Colleen’s love of plants, people and cooking will provide the great memories we will carry with us forever. She was a wonderful mother, great friend, but most of all, the love of Roy’s life. She will be deeply missed and never far from our thoughts.

Colleen leaves behind her loving husband Roy E. Irwin at their home on the lake, daughter Cami Larson and Dave Kier of Everett, Wash., son Don McIalwain of Manson, Wash., son Brad and Brandi Irwin of Moses Lake, daughter Kristin and Steve Hanning of Snohomish, Wash., sister Joan C. Perkins of Everett, Wash, grandchildren Annie and Nathan Olson, Jordan McIalwain, Peyton and Paige Hanning, step-grandchildren KoDee, KyLee and Kade Pruett, great-grandchildren Nicholas, Seth, Derek and Vince.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Chet and Juanita.

There will be no formal services per Colleen’s request. A family memorial is being planned. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may make a contribution in Colleen’s name to the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 1337, Moses Lake, WA 98837, or the American Cancer Society.