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Brusie Funeral Home

Colleen Marie Coutts

November 2nd, 1957 - December 12th, 2024

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Colleen Marie Coutts Nov. 2, 1957 – Dec. 12, 2024

Colleen Marie Coutts (née Fitzgerald) passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 12, 2024, while on vacation in Fiji at the age of 67. She was born on Nov. 2, 1957, in Japan to Michael Fitzgerald and Diane King. Colleen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, whose boundless love and generosity touched the lives of everyone around her.

Colleen was preceded by her parents, Michael Fitzgerald and Diane King, and stepfather Edgar King; her husband, John Coutts; her brothers, Matt King and John Fitzgerald; and her sister, Kellee Christy. She is survived by her sons, Daniel Coutts and John Coutts, and daughters-in-law Mary Coutts and Hilary Kleiman; granddaughters, Claire Coutts, Elizabeth Coutts, and newborn Nora Colleen Coutts, born just three days after her passing; mother-in-law Ruth Coutts; brother, Thomas King; and sisters, Jill C. King and Peggy Fitzgerald. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, including Johnny Fitzgerald, Karlee King, Cody King, Chloe King, Haley King, Tory Murry Kerlin, Tyler King, Zach Chabre, Alexa Chabre, Tailer Christy, Andrea King, and Nick King, as well as her loving boyfriend, John Olsen.

Colleen was a proud graduate of California State University, Chico, where she earned a degree in Psychology. She dedicated much of her life to helping others, particularly high school students, through her work as a career counselor at Durham High School. She also coached the high school’s golf team, a sport she loved dearly. Her passion for helping others extended beyond her work. Colleen was a vibrant and caring presence in the lives of everyone who knew her.

In addition to her work, Colleen’s love for life was unmatched. She enjoyed traveling, riding her bicycle, and, above all, playing golf. But perhaps what she loved most was opening her home to others. It was a place where everyone felt welcome, loved and cared for, a testament to her generous and selfless nature. Colleen was always willing to lend a hand and offer a listening ear. From helping raise her siblings, raising her two sons, to her role as career counselor, she offered motherly guidance and support to all.

Before Colleen's passing, there was nothing that brought her more joy than spending time with her two granddaughters, Claire and Elizabeth. They were the lights of her life and she cherished every moment with them. Their presence made her heart shine brighter than anything else. She loved being a grandma (“Cee Cee”) more than anything else in her world.

Colleen lived her life to the fullest. She passed away just two days after diving with sharks off the coast of Fiji—a fitting end for someone who embraced life with such fearless enthusiasm. Her presence lit up every room she entered, no matter how large or small. Her loss leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on Jan. 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, located at 416 Chestnut St., Chico. Following the funeral, Colleen's family invites you to celebrate her life at 12:30 p.m. at Butte Creek Country Club, 175 Estates Drive, Chico. This will be a time to celebrate the love, laughter and unforgettable memories that Colleen brought into all our lives. Let's come together to honor her legacy and the joy she shared with us.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the John and Colleen Coutts Scholarship: www.nvcf.org/funds/john-and-colleen-coutts-scholarship

Colleen will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her love, generosity, joy for life and the incredible impact she made on everyone she encountered.

We Entrusted Colleen Coutts's Care To

Brusie Funeral Home

Brusie Funeral Home

At Brusie Funeral Home, we treat every family with dignity and respect, recognizing the profound impact of compassionate, professional care when grieving the loss of a loved one. Recently renovated, our funeral home is designed to provide a serene chapel, picturesque outdoor venues, and private gathering spaces, fostering a tranquil atmosphere for commemorating life. With a dedicated reception room, we ensure your family and friends find comfort during challenging times. Our Spanish-speaking staff offers personalized support for clear communication and understanding....

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(530) 206-0322

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