- Date Of Birth: November 7, 1962
- Date Of Death: April 3, 2021
- State: Alabama
Colleen Mary Laymon, 58, passed away at home on April 3rd, 2021, ending a stoic 10 year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
Colleen was a caring mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Born in Oswego, NY to parents David and Catherine Heagerty, she enjoyed skiing, figure skating, horseback riding, rowing, gardening, weaving, knitting, and countless other handicrafts.
Colleen was a teacher of 25 years for Huntsville City Schools, where she worked as a Gifted Education Specialist. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at St. Lawrence University in 1984. She then returned to school after having children and earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Alabama A&M University and an Ed.S. in Gifted Education from the University of Alabama. Colleen was a beloved member of her faculty and a generous teammate.
Colleen spent her summers teaching at the Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG), a non-profit organization offering three-week summer programs for gifted and academically talented students ages 5-12. She served as Academic Dean for two years (2010-2012) and then Director for four years (2012-2016).
Colleen’s pride was in her school and students, and she shared her passion for learning with thousands of children over the years.
She was a long-time member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church and actively demonstrated her faith through selfless acts of service in many volunteer organizations and community groups.
Loving mother to Ross (Stacy) Laymon, Rebecca (Joshua) Brown and Kelsey (Brock) Wilbanks. Devoted grandmother to Benjamin, Elliott, Nora, and Grant. She is also survived by her father David Heagerty, brother Patrick (Claudia) Heagerty, and nieces Amelia and Margaret Heagerty. She was preceded in death by her mother, Cathy.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from many, including the amazing team at Good Samaritan Hospice, especially nurses Tameka and Catharine, the staff at Chaffee Elementary, and the generous group of GATE teachers.
