Colleen P. Vitu, nee Pope, age 40, of Wilmette IL was called home to God's loving embrace on May 29, 2014 after a valiant battle with breast cancer. She was the cherished wife of Joseph F. Vitu, Jr.; the indispensable and devoted mother of Bridget, Kayleigh and Quinn; the loving daughter of Richard M. Pope and Rosemary Pope nee Rowan; and the beloved sister of Matthew R. Pope husband of Melissa Pope all of Wilmette IL. She was a sister and incredible best friend to both her cousin Kerry Brown, nee O'Connell of Omaha NE and Clare J. Quish of Chicago whom she befriended back in grade school. She also leaves behind innumerable aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Colleen was born in Seattle, WA and as a child moved with her family to Hawaii and San Antonio before settling down in Wilmette in 1985. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Grade School in Wilmette, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, Creighton University and Loyola University of Chicago, Colleen followed in her mother's footsteps and became a teacher. She met her husband Joe while she was still in college and they proceeded to marry in 1998. They were known to be 'rather nomadic' buying and moving into seven homes, rehabbing each along the way. She taught first grade at Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School in Winnetka for several years until the arrival of their first child. An incredibly dedicated and active part of the St. Francis Xavier community, Colleen was known by all and loved by even more. The love and devotion she holds for her children and family knows no bounds and will never end. She was a person of deep faith and devotion to the Catholic Church - and to Mother Mary and St. John Paul II in particular. She liked to watch classic films, read and run. She loved to travel and had an incredible sense of style and fashion. She would never turn down a request for help, a friend in need or a margarita. She lived life to its fullest and never looked back. She stared down the worst cancer diagnosis and never let up one bit on what was most important in her life. Through to the time when she called home, she attended to a full calendar of events. She will be missed incredibly by family and friends, but never forgotten. Emblematic of her selfless dedication to others, through St. Francis Xavier Colleen became deeply involved with Imaculee Conception Parish School in Galette Chambon, Haiti. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to 'The Colleen Pope Vitu Memorial Haiti School Fund' which has been established to build a school for the impoverished people of Imaculee Conception in Colleen's name. In keeping with Colleen's wishes, her family most strongly wants to see this school built and greatly appreciates ANY and all contributions. Contributions can be sent to: SFX Parish Offices, ATTN: Vitu Haiti Fund, 524 Ninth Street, Wilmette IL 60091. Make checks payable to: "Vitu Haiti Fund." A visitation will be held Wednesday, June 4, 2014 starting at 4pm at Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home, 1100 Greenleaf Avenue, Wilmette IL. The funeral Mass will be held Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 10am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, at 9th and LInden, Wilmette IL. Interment at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines IL.
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