BRASSARD

Nature was her bike path… and the mountains carried her heart.  Surrounded by her loving family and a circle of close friends, Colleen Gertie Brassard (née Hagen) of Rimbey, Alberta passed away peacefully.  The mountains now hold her gently.  On Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the age of 57 years, Colleen’s spirit rode freely through quiet hills on a trail only the heart can follow.

Born in Wetaskiwin, Alberta on December 18, 1968, Colleen arrived full of love, spark, and adventure.  She joined her parents, Gertrude and Roy Hagen, and her brother, Dale, as she began her life’s journey.  Colleen moved with her family to Rimbey where she completed all her schooling.  Following graduation, she attended Red Deer College.  Colleen met her best friend, André Brassard, and they enjoyed each other’s company for almost 43 years.  For 33 of those years, Colleen and André were married and were, quite obviously, soulmates.  To this union two children were born, Sheldon and Ashley.  Colleen was so very proud of her children and all of their accomplishments.  While raising their family in Rimbey, Colleen was employed as the financial coordinator with Family and Community Support Services for many years.

Colleen was passionate about many things in life and lived each day with zest and fun-filled escapades.  She was passionate about camping, hiking, riding her bike, visiting with friends, and of course the occasional cold beer!  Colleen also enjoyed scrapbooking and pickle ball.  However, her greatest passion in life was for her family, especially with the addition of two adorable grandchildren.  She was so blessed to be known as their “Mimi.”

Colleen absolutely loved to hop on her bike as often as possible to explore any path, trail, hillside course, or mountain lane.  As long as she was outdoors and among nature, Colleen was content.  Her most favourite place was among the majestic beauty of the mountains, where she always felt at peace.  On a recent trip with André and friends to visit Mount Kid in the beautiful Kananaskis area, Colleen looked over at André with happiness on her face… and exclaimed, “We did it!”

Yes, Colleen, you did.  You possessed a quiet strength and a joyful spark that was admired by those who knew you.  You brought joy, kindness, courage, friendship, generosity, humour, and love to the world around you.  While you are in harmony with nature and pedalling your bike down that mountain trail – where your heart and soul truly belong – forever rest in peace, Colleen.  You will be greatly missed.

Colleen will be lovingly remembered by her husband and best friend of 43 years, André; her son Sheldon (Wren) Brassard of Stony Plain; her daughter Ashley (Dalton) Collicutt of Rimbey; as well as her two precious grandchildren Gertie and Mary.  She will also be lovingly remembered by her mother Gertrude Hagen of Rimbey; her brother Dale Hagen of Bluffton; in addition to many in-laws, nieces and nephews, other family members, and many, many close and cherished friends. Colleen was predeceased by her father Roy in 2014.    

A Funeral Service in Celebration of Colleen’s Life will be held at the Rimbey United Church, 4931 – 51 Avenue, Rimbey on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with the Reverend Ray Goodship officiating.  Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the West Haven Cemetery, Rimbey.  If desired, memorial donations in Colleen’s memory may be made directly to Rimbey Community Home Help Services, Box 404, Rimbey, Alberta  T0C 2J0 (https://rchhs.com).  Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page. 

Funeral and Burial Arrangements for the late Colleen Gertie Brassard (née Hagen) entrusted to the care of