Colleen Lee

It is with great sadness that the family of Colleen Ann Lee (75) shares her passing. Colleen passed away surrounded by family on August 29th at “Heather’s House” HIA Hospice care in Fargo, ND.

Colleen was born on July 5th, 1951, to Bill and Joann Cahill at St. Francis hospital in Breckenridge, Minnesota. She attended school and college both in Fargo and West Fargo. While in high school in West Fargo, Colleen met and fell in love with Charles “Chuck” Lee. They married in 1973. They later established their home in Thompson, ND where they began their family with sons Christopher and Brian.

Colleen was an accomplished woman who wore many hats during her life. There was nothing that she could not achieve. She was a voracious reader, always seeking to add to and perfect her skills from running a household to building her backyard patio and even eventually becoming an educator.

Her love for children inspired her to open a small piano studio out of her house teaching children to play. Additionally, she ran a small daycare caring for children while being able to stay at home with sons Chris and Brian. She went on to finish a bachelor’s degree in education and began a career as a teacher for special needs children in the Grand Forks school district. She could be found on Sundays and during special events playing piano for her local Lutheran church in Thompson where she remained active for years.

Colleen was an anchor point and a “soft landing” spot for her family and friends, often direct, but fiercely supportive of the people in her sphere. She embodied the phrase “A friend in need is a friend indeed”. Those lucky enough to know her knew she could be counted on through thick or thin, no matter what.

Colleen is survived by sons Chris and Brian, daughter in law Wendy, brother Brad Cahill, grandchildren Bryson, Joshua, Ellery, and Lauryn, and countless cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends – all of whom will miss the love, wisdom, smiles and giggles she brought wherever she went.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to HIA Hospice “Heather’s House”, Habitat for Humanity, or Disabled American Vets.

Service: Friday, November 27, 2026, at 11 AM, at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND, with visitation one hour before the service.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

Westfuneralhome.com

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