Colleen Ann Wakus

Born in St. Louis, MO to Elmer and Thelma McCormick, Colleen was an avid reader and a devout Catholic. Over the years, she spent much of her time cooking meals for St. Vincent de Paul’s homeless shelter and in activities with her local parish, St. Richard, where she shared many close friendships with her fellow Red Hat Ladies, a.k.a. “Holy Hatters”. She enjoyed playing cards and participated in numerous bridge groups as well as a slew of regional competitions. She excelled in school, being ‘double-promoted’ several times and enrolling at Washington University on a full scholarship at age 16. She went on to work at Monsanto Corporation, where she was only the second woman to be promoted to a professional capacity. She later earned her MBA and worked as a computer programmer at McDonald Douglas and NGIC.

Colleen was very proud of her Irish roots and loved classical Irish folk music. Her friends and fellow parishioners appreciated her remarkable honesty and gentle, compassionate nature.

SERVICES: Visitation 3-5 pm on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 at KRIEGSHAUSER WEST 9450 Olive Blvd., Olivette, MO 63132. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday March 11th, 9:00 am at St. Richard Catholic Church, 11223 Schuetz Rd, 63146. Interment to follow in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Please-In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions to St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o St. Richard Parish, 11223 Schuetz Rd, St. Louis, MO 63146.