Colleen Devere

Mary Colleen Coleman Devere was the eldest of four children born to Major Edmund A. Coleman and Elizabeth (McMahon) Coleman. Colleen’s love for adventure was nurtured from early childhood as she accompanied her military parents, who were stationed in many corners of the globe. That early exposure to different and often exotic locations sparked a lifelong curiosity and passion for exploration that would come to define her journey through life.

Colleen graduated from St. Agnes Academy in Houston, Texas in 1967 and then went on to The University of Texas at Austin for two years, ultimately receiving her B.A. from the University of Houston in 1972. Perhaps the most important thing that happened to Colleen at U.T. was meeting her best friend for life, Sally Stadtlander (now Pehr). Their friendship was so strong that it became much more of a “sister” relationship for them, lasting more than 60 years!

After college, in the 1970’s, Colleen built a successful career with Shell Chemical Company, a path that took her up and down the East Coast and then on to the West Coast of the U.S. Never one to be content with limits, in her spare time, she even earned her private pilot’s license—further evidence that she embraced both challenge and independence. Colleen was never shy about setting out by herself on any journey. While she welcomed the company of friends and family whenever possible, she never waited for others to accompany her on her pursuit of new experiences. She once travelled as far as Australia on her own! She would also go on to achieve her Open Water Diver PADI certification and add many scuba diving adventures to her portfolio. Going from surf to turf, she also developed a love for golf and really enjoyed that time as well. When Ron and Colleen made the move from Houston to Lakeway as full time residents, one of the first things on Colleen’s “to do” list was to join the “Lakeway Ladies 9-Holers” golfing group! She loved that time in her life and she made some great friends in that group, including Diane Jones, Nancy Gregor, Cheryl Whaling, Karen Vaughan and Robin Hargadon, who also went on to form a lunch group they liked to call “Group Therapy”.

Whether jetting off to Australia or exploring other unique destinations across the globe, her insatiable wanderlust continually carried her to her next adventure. Travel was not just a hobby for Colleen—it was a way of life.

And then a new and colorful chapter began when she married her soulmate, Dr. Ron Devere. Together they created a beautiful life rooted in shared curiosity, love and discovery. Colleen embraced Ron’s Jewish faith and adopted a Reform Jewish lifestyle, deepening their bond and adding even more meaning to their shared path. Colleen converted from her Catholic upbringing to her religious calling of Judaism shortly before she and Ron exchanged vows on September 3, 1995 in Houston, Texas. She was very proud of completing her conversion to Judaism!

Ron and Colleen’s adventures together reached extraordinary heights, including unforgettable journeys such as visits to the Galápagos Islands and remarkable cruise adventures around the world. Though far too numerous to list, each trip reflected their shared spirit of exploration and wonder. Colleen and Ron remained devoted partners in adventure throughout their lives. They also shared a love for Greyhounds and after they fostered they went on to adopt Prissy, Jet and Buddy. Colleen and Ron also supported numerous other charitable endeavors and Jewish causes together.

If you knew Colleen, you most likely knew that she was a devoted and fierce Mahjong player. Her best friend Sally taught her to play and Colleen paid that forward by teaching many of her friends in Houston and Lakeway to play. She was a great player and will be missed by her Mahjong group (Marji, Barbara and Janis) every Monday afternoon.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved soulmate, Ron.

She is survived by her siblings: Marji and Craig Calvert of Lakeway and their daughter Chelsea, with whom she was very close; Megan O’Byrne of Austin and Paul and Lisa Coleman of New Ulm. Also stepsons: Brent Devere and wife Shelley Zent, Dr’s. Todd and Theresa Devere and Dr. Ross and Liat DeVere along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews as well as lifelong best friends Sally and Chuck Pehr and her God children, Jennifer Pehr and husband Jonathan Ross and Michael Pehr, who will continue to carry her adventurous, generous spirit forward!

Colleen was a very proud “Grammy” to Todd and Theresa’s children: Jaden, Tyler and Chloe and to Ross and Liat’s sons: Zachary and Ian. She loved them and was so proud of them!

Colleen lived by the belief that we only live once! And whether or not that is true—she truly lived this life to the fullest.

Cheers, Colleen. We love and miss you! Well done!

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, Texas 78734. Instead of flowers, donations in Colleen’s memory can be made to Swan Songs (Austin), the Capitol Area Parkinson’s Society (Austin) or the charity of your choice.