In all to many ways death surrounds us. We say Good bye to another family friend. Colleen was a sweet woman, Rest in Peace and in the arms of our Savior Jesus Christ, Colleen.

Colleen M. Samland passed away on Monday, April 23, 2007 after a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with breast cancer.

A resident of Grand Island for the past 33 years, she graduated from Grand Island High School in 1979 and Erie Community College in 1981. Colleen married her high school sweetheart, Michael Samland in 1982, and they raised three wonderful children: Jessica, Ryan and Justin.

Colleen focused her life around her family. She was a devoted mother and could be found anywhere her children were. In fact, she was a fixture at their softball, baseball, soccer, and lacrosse games for the past 15 years and never missed a game.

Colleen was a longtime member of St. Stephen’s parish and taught religious education for eight years with her sister-in-law, Karen Fischer.

Best known for her love of the New York Yankees, she was also an avid reader and longtime Bruce Springsteen fan. Colleen will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, generous spirit, and positive attitude.

In addition to her husband and children, Colleen was the daughter of Earl and the late Patricia Clements; sister of Kelly (David) Robel, Sean Clements, Kristin (Mark) Reese, and the late Karen (Frank) Nuchereno; daughter-in-law of Bernhard and Clarice Samland, sister-in-law of Darlene (Richard) Simmons, Karen (Joseph) Fischer, and Lisa (Michael) Gallagher; and aunt of fourteen nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Wednesday, April 25 from 7-9 p.m., Thursday, April 26 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 27 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo.