Alice Leola Colgan

Alice Leola (Woods) Colgan

Alice Leola Colgan, 96, passed away peacefully at home on March 14, 2023, while in the loving care of her family. Alice was born July 16, 1926, in Regan, Nebraska the first of five children of Robert and Leola (Tillotson) Woods. Her family moved from Nebraska to Colorado before settling in Santa Ana, California. After graduating high school, while working at a miniature golf course she met the love of her life, Eugene Colgan, a young sailor who was stationed at nearby El Toro Marine base. They were married in 1947 and shared more than 60 years together before his passing in 2008. They moved to Orange, California and started their family, eventually raising ten children together. Through joyful and challenging times Gene and Alice built a life together in loving and committed partnership.  Gene’s successful career as a salesman is attributed in large part to Alice’s tireless work as a devoted homemaker.

Alice lived a life of service guided by a strong faith in God.  Prior to her marriage, she converted to Catholicism. She lived her Christian values and imparted that faith to her family. She was a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church for more than 70 years and was a member of the Altar Society. For many years she provided companionship, joy and entertainment to residents of nursing homes, often dressed in a bright blue wig and red nose as Klutzy the Clown.

Alice spent more than 50 years living her OA program daily, offering support and mentorship to many through true compassion and kindness. Her life was forever changed by belonging to this supportive community.

Alice spent her life caring for and nurturing her family. Alice never met a baby she didn’t want to hold. She was happiest when her home was full of family, friends and chaos, always welcoming people with kindness and care. She accepted and loved people as they were.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband Gene; daughter Mary Colgan-Bennetts and son-in-law Buzz Bennetts; her parents and two siblings.  Alice is survived by her 9 remaining children, Mike (Colleen) Colgan, Pat Colgan, Margey (Tony) Green, Norma Colgan, Nancy (Rick) Ellingson, Jan (John) Rock, Dan (Donice) Colgan, Bob (Lisa) Colgan, Rose (Brian) Coles.  Her 17 grandchildren, Nina, Sean (Kristi) Colgan, Maureen, Katie (Jeff) Potter, Sara (Russell) Goodman, Mike Green, Leslie Ellingson, Stacy (Travis) Eldred, Matthew (Alyssa) Ellingson, Jonathan (Angie) Rock, Bailey (Gregory) Perez, Mackenzie (Charlie) Enright, Cheyenne (Jason) Mocerino, Jackson Colgan, Nicholas (Sydney) Colgan, Kasey Colgan and Max Colgan also survive her, along with her 14 great-grandchildren, Cristian, Carly, Emma, Amy, Riley, James, Kenzie, Allyson, Nate, Evan, Ryan, Luca, Jedd, and Baby Perez. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by brothers Dean Woods, George (Kathy) Woods, many nieces, nephews and extended family.    Alice was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who is held forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to have known her.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gene and Alice Colgan Memorial Scholarship Fund at Holy Family Catholic School, Angels in Education Program at the link below or to the charity of your choice. https://swipesimple.com/links/lnk_a05af726

A Rosary and Vigil will be held on Tuesday March 28th at 7:00 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 566 S. Glassell St. Orange.  The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday March 29th at Holy Family Catholic Church followed by a graveside service at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 7845 E. Santiago Canyon Rd., Orange. Reception to follow.

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