Colleen Joy Hiatt (née Rauckman)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved mother and wife, Colleen Joy Hiatt, who left us peacefully on December 27, 2024 at the age of 70 after a brief battle with cancer.
Born on September 10, 1954 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, she was the cherished daughter of Joy and John and a beloved sister to Leslie, Jack, Wayne and Bill. Devoted wife of 50 years to David (Dave) Hiatt.
Throughout her life, Colleen was known for her boundless love, kindness and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. She was a mother who always put the needs of others before her own, providing comfort, wisdom and warmth in times of joy and sorrow. Her nurturing spirit made her the heart and soul of our family and she will forever be remembered for the beautiful home she created and the profound impact she had on each of us.
Colleen spent much of her childhood living in Long Beach, California with her family before they moved back to Saskatchewan in her early teens. She graduated high school and moved to Saskatoon to work for CIBC. While living in Saskatoon, she played in a senior league provincial softball team, an accomplishment she was very proud of. During this time, she was introduced to
Dave Hiatt, a friend of her brother Wayne.
Colleen and Dave were married in July 1975 and had three children. Over the years, the family moved throughout Canada for Dave’s job with CN Rail to Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, Montréal and finally St. Albert, where they spent 27 years. They most recently moved to a newly built home in Edmonton. In addition to her role as a devoted mother and wife, Colleen was passionate about making connections with people. She truly believed in the value of community and friendship. She had a deep love for crafts and creating things by hand. She also had a deep love for travelling and creating memories through experiences with family.
Colleen was an accomplished accountant who was proud of the work she did for various companies over the years.
Colleen leaves behind her loving children, Jaymie (Drew) Davey, Kimberley (Leon) Roberts and Anthony (Lacey) Hiatt, eight grandchildren as well as many dear relatives and friends. She was
predeceased by her parents, Joy and John Rauckman, and her brother, Jack Rauckman.
A celebration to honor her life will be held at a later date. All who knew her are welcome to attend and celebrate her extraordinary life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Colleen's memory to Cross Cancer Institute – Cancer Care Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta.
We take comfort in knowing that her love and legacy will live on in all of us.
Rest in peace, dear Colleen and know that you will forever be missed but never forgotten.
I send my sincere condolences during this time of sorrow. The Bible promises that your loved one will come to life again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more in John 5:28, 29.
What a beautiful picture Dave of Colleen. We enjoyed her company and having her with us. Specially enjoyed working with her doing Blood Donor Clinic. As volunteers, was blessed to chat, and that was lovely. Our hearts go out to you and yours.
Colleen always had a smile and a twinkle in her eye when caring for our shared grandchildren. They will remember her fondly in years to come. We feel very fortunate to have know her and it was very interesting to read of her past accomplishments. What a beautiful photo of Colleen and a lovely tribute to the life she lived. Sincere condolences to your family.
A very sad day. We will miss her dearly.
Peter and Norene
Our sincere condolences to your family and you Dave. Colleen was true friend and is sorely missed!
Dear Dave & Family – we are so very sorry to hear about Colleen’s passing. Thanks to Barb Riley letting us know!
We always enjoyed talking with Colleen and she always had lots to say about her crafts and how she loved her position at Gregg Industries!!! We think about many of the people we knew from “Lions” and have many good memories! Please know you are in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time.
We certainly plan to attend the memorial service for Colleen in summer!
Most sincerely, Gerry & Karen
Dave, Eva & I are so thankful to have you and Colleen as our neighbors in our ‘little village’. I remember we met the first time when we checked out our duplex unit during construction and felt Colleen’s special qualities and your cheerful personalities instantly. We miss Colleen’s presence and regret that we don’t have the opportunity to grow our friendship. However, I thank God that Amiya and your other grandchildren reminded us that we will meet again in Heaven – what an awesome gift from our Father! Please keep us posted on the celebration of Colleen’s life.
We send our heartfelt condolences to you, Dave, and your family. Although we only knew Colleen for a very short time her ability to easily converse with us made it seem like we had been friends forever. Knowing her will always be one of our best memories of this neighborhood.
Dear Dave & family,
Colleen had become a dear friend to me and one of our valued volunteers at Basically Babies over the last 5 years. She was always willing to help out in extra ways, spending countless extra hours doing tasks from home along with her regular volunteer day during the week. Colleen had such a kind, patient, positive personality and what a beautiful smile! I always enjoyed spending time with her chatting about our lives. I’m so grateful I was able to spend some time with her prior to her passing and she will be sadly missed but lives on in my heart. I look forward to attending her Celebration of Life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you…
Grandma,
You will forever be remembered by your 10 grandchildren who all looked up to you so much. We will continue to make the cookies you make during Christmas, we will play card games with grandpa just like how we all used to together at the dinning room table, and we will forever remember how big of an impact you made on our lives. Yes we are all incredibly sad you are no longer with us but will be filled with joy knowing that you will be by our sides, looking out for us until we meet you again in heaven. While we all may be here for a while longer and that’s okay, but now it’s time for you to teach our siblings and cousins in heaven who haven’t gotten then chance to hold you close and learn the lessons you taught us, your grandchild, Alex and great grandchild, Evren. It’s their turn to have you now grandma. We miss you dearly.
And we love you so.
Love,
The Hiatt grandkids
Grandma,
You will forever be remembered by your 10 grandchildren who all looked up to you so much. We will continue to make the cookies you make during Christmas, we will play card games with grandpa just like how we all used to together at the dinning room table, and we will forever remember how big of an impact you made on our lives. Yes we are all incredibly sad you are no longer with us but will be filled with joy knowing that you will be by our sides, looking out for us until we meet you again in heaven. While we all may be here for a while longer and that’s okay, but now it’s time for you to teach our siblings and cousins in heaven who haven’t gotten then chance to hold you close and learn the lessons you taught us, your grandchild, Alex and great grandchild, Evren. It’s their turn to have you now grandma. We miss you dearly.
And we love you so.
Love,
The Grandkids