Colleen Jean Werdien

Colleen Jean Werdien the jelly bean, (according to Uncle Dutch) Was born on 11/25/49 and passed away on May 16, 2026. Colleen truly believed in God. Colleen Worked as a nurse, public health nurse, nurse clinician, and school nurse. She worked on the epilepsy ward where they did brain surgery, where she assisted. Colleen lived in Mounds View, Fridley, Milaca, Princeton, Columbia Heights, and Anoka. Colleen went to Sunnyside elementary school in New Brighton where she started her schooling at age 4. She went to the kindergarten roundup for "49ers". Colleen graduated form high school at Mounds View High School in 67. Colleens 1st real hobby was photography, where she bought the equipment to develop and print her own photos. During summer break after high School she worked at Yellowstone National park and later Isle Royal National park for two years. After graduating from the U of M with a BA degree she spent the summer touring Europe. She tried her hand at student teaching then switched to nursing. Colleen attended Anoka Ramsey and received an AA degree and became an RN. Colleen continued her education and received a BS degree in nursing and years later received a master degree in the same field. ( she never really quit educating herself). Colleen became interested in spinning wool and making her own yarn, and knitting. She would buy yarn from Australia and New Zealand, die it, and spin it. She had several types of spinning wheels. She also knitted, did crocheting and made felt. Colleen was dedicated to the environment. She became a master gardener. She showed her love for the planet by planting native plants in her yard and the boulevard. She also loved art. She would paint, and make all kinds of art projects. And then there was her pottery. She make all kinds of things out of clay. Colleen played the piano for many years, which she loved. She had a variety of musical instruments at her home. When she wasn't playing them the nieces and nephews loved coming over and banging out tunes on them. She also loved to play 500. It was pretty hard to win a bid over her, but not always that hard to set her. Then we would all laugh. She hated rules and would never deal according to the rules. We taught her to play pinochle. We made her deal accordingly. "this is a dumb game". Colleen was involved with her family. If a birthday party came up, or a school event and she had something planned she would tell you and then say,"I'll be there". Colleen was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Arlene Werdien Colleen is survived by her brother Richard (Jackie); nephews Richard Werdien II (Julia) and Michael Werdien, and niece Heather Shell (Robert); Great Nephews, Richard Werdien III, and Brennan Shell, Great nieces Alexis and Chelsea Shell and Emma and Eliza Werdien. She was affectionately known to me as "sis"

Colleen Jean Werdien

November 25, 1949 - May 16, 2026

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