Colleen Marie Anglese (née O’Donnell), affectionately known as the “keeper of the fairies” of Albany, IL, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the age of 77, surrounded by her family at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation, in Morrison, IL.
Colleen was born on January 4, 1948, in Leon, IA, to Lorin Anderson O’Donnell, 32, and Marion Elizabeth (née Rose), 30. She grew up on the family farm in Decatur, IA, alongside her four siblings: Sheryl Rae, who is married to Virgil Paul Benoit; James Alan (deceased); Karen Lorene, who was married to Richard Paul Vogel (deceased); Michael Kevin, who is married to Angela Antonietta (née Buccieri). In 1959, the family moved to DeWitt, IA, and then settled in Albany, IL, in 1964.
Colleen met Gary Brent Anglese, the son of Clarence Raymond Anglese and Mary Eleanor (née Burns), while attending Fulton High School. They were married on April 15, 1967, in Fulton, IL, at the age of 19. Throughout their nine-year marriage, Colleen and Gary had two children, Christopher and Jennifer, before divorcing in 1977.
After her divorce, Colleen lived and worked in Clinton, IA. As a Cosmetologist, she attended night school and became a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, while raising her children as a single mother. Colleen enjoyed dancing, attending musical theater, and singing in a jazz band, often performing with her brother Mike and notable jazz musicians in the area. Later in life, she returned to Albany, where she found joy in gardening, volunteering for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, attending Immaculate Conception Church, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Colleen is survived by her son, Christopher Brent, who lives in Medford, MA. He is married to Sarah C. Michelman, and together they have two children: Isabel Cate Anglese and Eliot James Anglese. Colleen is also survived by her daughter, Jennifer Marie, who is married to Jason John Robbins. They have two children: Liam Anderson Robbins and Kathleen Marie Robbins.
Cremation rites were accorded.
Per Colleen’s wishes, there will be no Visitation or Funeral Services.
Interment will take place at a later date in the Lusk Memorial Cemetery in Albany, IL.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.