Colleen M. Grebasch

She was born on December 11th, 1950, and grew up as the oldest of four (4) siblings in Basking Ridge, NJ. Colleen is survived by her son, Justin, three (3) siblings, Lisa, Kevin, and Jimmy; ex-husband, Robert; nieces and nephews Samantha, Megan, Patrick, and Ryan; sister-in-law, Patsy; dog, Denali; and numerous lifelong friends – both locally and abroad. Colleen was preceded in death by her mother and father Helen (O'Dowd) Phillips and James R. Phillips, and 2nd youngest sister Kathlene.

Soon after getting married, she traveled throughout Europe, British Isles, and many other landmark sites around the world. After becoming a proud mother, she lived and worked the majority of her adult life in a number of small towns on the CT shoreline.

Colleen graduated from St. Joseph College in 1985 with a MS in Nutritional Biochemistry. Soon thereafter, she became a registered dietitian and opened a private practice in Deep River and Old Saybrook, CT, working as a Consulting Nutritionist until she retired to Bradenton, FL in 2015. Some of her clients included renowned body builders, athletes, and television personalities.

In the early-90’s, Colleen was actively involved in the Chester Rotary Club and later became its first female President. On the side, Colleen baked cheese cakes, quiches and bread from home for local businesses as well as the iconic Griswald Inn restaurant in Essex, CT. Her annual participation in the Chester Fair entering homemade jam and floral arrangements yielded countless 1st prize ribbons. She also participated in a number of road races, century cycling tours, and motorcycle rallies. Colleen became an active member of St. John Catholic Church in Old Saybrook, CT where her son attended grade school and was recognized year after year for her extraordinary fundraising effort for the annual walk-a-thon. Strolling the beach in Watch Hill, RI with her son while listening to the waves and hunting for sea glass was something she looked forward to every summer. Likewise, visiting Kennebunkport, ME to pray in front of the Grato at the Franciscan Monastery, participating in the local Prelude festivities, relishing the glimmer of snow-covered streets, and biting into a fresh lobster roll was a tradition she deeply cherished and continued every December for 41 years. Her love for animals was also no secret, as she had many dogs, cats, exotic birds, guinea pigs, fish, ducks and even her beloved blue lobster.

Of all of her passions, Colleen’s most cherished calling was motherhood. She was her son’s biggest fan and relished every moment with him until the very second her soul departed this life.

At the time of her death, Colleen was a resident of Bradenton, FL. We would like to thank everyone that welcomed and embraced Colleen in FL for the final 10-year chapter of her life. Moving south and away from CT was one of her hardest transitions, yet she overcame, persevered and became the best version of herself.

All are encouraged to attend her Funeral and Celebration of Life at the SWAN Funeral Home in Madison, CT at 825 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT on Saturday, January 10th, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A prayer service will be officiated by Pastor Jesse Reddoch from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the funeral home following the public call hours.

Flower donations are welcomed! Colleen had a deep love for flowers - big and small - so any and all donations to the service are much appreciated! Following the service, all of the flowers will be divided into small bouquets and hand delivered by her son to patients at the local nursing home. To ensure that your flower donations are delivered before the service, we strongly recommend that you reach out to your local florist, or one of the flower shops listed below, as the online flower outlets may not deliver reliability.

-Madison Flower Shop & Garden Center / (203) 245-4851

-Grove Garden Florist / (860) 669-8062