Rosie Cloribel Colligan

Rosie Mercado Cloribel Colligan of Dewitt, Michigan died peacefully, surrounded by family on April 2, 2023. Rosie lived a full and wonderful life which began in Bohol, Philippines when she was born on August 7, 1940, Rosie was the second of seven children. Her mother, the late Lourdes Mercado, a pianist, belonged to a prominent and landed family in Mindanao who is related to the Philippine National hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Her father, the late Judge Gaudencio Cloribel was the first lawyer in his hometown, Panglao, Bohol and a delegate to the first Philippine Constitutional Convention. When Rosie's dad was assigned by the late Philippine President Carlos P. Garcia as Judge of the Court of First Instance in Manila, all his children were likewise transferred to Manila to finish their studies there. Rosie graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila (the oldest university in the Philippines) with a Bachelors degree in Nursing. A phenomenal lifelong athlete, Rosie was granted scholarship in the university and led the University’s women’s volleyball team. She was also a talented pianist, developing a love of music she carried throughout her life.

Shortly after passing the board exams in Nursing, Rosie moved to the United States where her foster parents, Alfred and Colleen Hodges, guided her cultural acclimation. She was always grateful for their generosity. She worked as a Registered Nurse at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN where she met the love of her life, the late Dr. Paul C. Colligan. Paul and Rosie married, welcomed their first child Paul, and moved to California. They lost their second child Patrick in infancy, and a daughter, Pamela, arrived soon after.

Missing the Midwest and Paul’s large family of nine siblings, they ultimately settled in Saginaw, MI. Rosie was very excited to be an American, but she maintained a balance that embraced both cultures, including close contact with her beloved Filipino family and annual reunions with her best friend and roommate from Nursing school, Sally(Cely). She was a member of the PANEM (Pilipino Association of Northeastern Michigan). In Saginaw, Rosie and Paul had a wide social group, playing tennis and golf, hosting pig roasts and late night sessions of Mahjong. They also loved spending winter time for over 15 years in Naples, Florida, until Paul died unexpectedly in 2008 and she moved to Dewitt, MI.

Rosie continued to carry a small photo of Paul in her wallet until her death. She was a beloved stalwart within the Colligan family, all of whom gathered regularly at a family cottage on Coldwater Lake. A beacon at these reunions, Rosie won golf tournaments, spread affection, and stood chatting and laughing over gigantic batches of her amazing cooking, including her famous lumpia, a recipe she taught many relatives. Her daughter, Pamela, even started a company based on Rosie’s marinades and dressings: Little Rosie’s.

When Rosie moved to Dewitt after Paul died, she lived with her son Paul and his family which she deeply cherished. She was happy cooking for everyone, watching her grandchildren grow up and sharing her love for music and teaching them to play golf. Toward the end of her life, Rosie lost her speech from a stroke and was no longer able to communicate with friends and family, it was difficult for her to lose her connections, near and far. She spent her final days at home with family and exceptional caregivers A music therapist came to see her, singing and playing guitar. Before she passed, Rosie received a blessing from her priest while her kids and grandchildren sat by her side. Rosie will be missed for her playful personality, warmth and kindness which often included home-cooked Filipino food.

Rosie was a devoted wife, sister, mother, Lola, grandma, Auntie, Godmother and friend. She is survived by her children Paul Colligan (Jennifer Worley) and Pamela Lourdes Loch (Daniel); siblings Aida (Sheldon) Kirstein, former Regional Trial Court Judge Loreto Purugganan, Pilar Reyes, Augustine (Rica) Cloribel, Arbet Cloribel and Maria Theresa Dizon (Miguel); grandchildren Austin and Nolan Colligan, Samantha Van Auken and Christina (Sean) Kaspar; great-grandchildren Landon Van Auken, Gavin, Oliver and Stevie Kaspar, as well as her loving extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents, former Court of First Instance Judge Gaudencio Cloribel and Lourdes Mercado, a pianist, sister Digna Rodriguez, husband Paul, and son Patrick.

Cremation will take place privately. An online Memorial can be found at www.dignitymemorial.com where you can share condolences, memories and upload photos.

A Celebration of Rosie’s Life will be held on June 30th, 2023 at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Coldwater, MI at 10:30am followed by lunch at the church. Burial service will follow at Fr. Custer Cemetery in Augusta, MI by the side of her late husband.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Rosie Colligan suggest donations be made to Hospice of Lansing in her honor. Please make checks payable to: Hospice of Lansing Stoneleigh Residence and in the memo line please indicate “To be used in honor of Rosie Colligan”, 3186 Pine Tree Rd. Lansing, MI. 48911 or go to www.hospiceoflansing.org

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