Colleen Woolley Sorenson

Colleen Woolley Sorenson, cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed peacefully from this life on May 17, 2024, ready to be reunited with the love of her life, George Leonard “Lenny” Sorenson. Born on March 9, 1934, in Richfield, UT, to Earl and Fern Woolley, Colleen was the beloved oldest child in her family, adored by her Nana and aunts. She grew up in Pleasant Grove, UT, where she attended Pleasant Grove High School, participating as a majorette and a pitcher on her softball team.

Colleen’s life was a testament to her deep faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, regarding the Savior as her best friend. As a devoted mother of six and a dedicated homemaker, she ensured her home and car sparkled "like the top of the Chrysler building." Her unwavering support extended to her grandchildren in all their endeavors, and she delighted in taking road trips with them. Colleen loved hosting family gatherings, embraced nature, and had a keen interest in geology. She was an avid photographer, capturing countless family moments—despite the occasional mishap with a lens cap or lack of film. Her photo albums were a testament to her meticulous and beautiful works of art. Colleen was a devoted Utah Jazz fan, familiar with every stat and player, and everyone knew better than to interrupt her during a game.

Her career included many years as a manager at Sorenson Research and 23 years at the Utah State Driver License Division, retiring at the remarkable age of 77. Colleen championed the underdog, valuing her friendships and work. Intelligent and curious, she never forgot a birthday and was a meticulous planner, especially when it came to family gatherings and documenting them with photos, with every person’s name and date written on each photo, ensuring no person was forgotten.

Colleen faced numerous challenges with courage, including the loss of her beloved and humorous son Wayne, the love of her life, Lenny, and surviving an aneurysm and brain tumor. Despite these hardships, she remained a resilient warrior, deeply loved and missed by all who knew her.

Colleen is survived by her children: Russell Sorenson, Cheryll Simpson (Dave), Roland Sorenson (Nicole), Kerry Sorenson, and Laurie Ahlstrom (Rick); 17 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and many great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Earl, Ruth, Mary, and Allen. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Leonard Sorenson; her son, Wayne George Sorenson; daughter-in-law, Susan Sorenson; her parents, Earl, and Fern Woolley; and her sisters, Doral, and Susan "Susie."

Services for Colleen will begin on June 6th with a memorial at Valley View Funeral Home from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., located at 4335 W 4100 S, West Valley. On June 7th, Funeral services will be held at the LDS church at, 5800 S 2700 W, Taylorsville, beginning with a prayer at 10:30 A.M., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. Burial services will follow at Valley View Memorial Park where she will be laid to rest between her husband George and son Wayne. Colleen's family extends heartfelt thanks to all her caregivers during her illness and to her family & friends for their love and support, with special gratitude to Cheryll and Dave for providing a loving and caring home in her final years.