Colleen Mary Dwyer—beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend—passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Syracuse, NY, Colleen spent her formative years there before moving to Hartford, CT, where she graduated from Hartford High. In August 1972, she married Charles Chauvin Sr., with whom she had two children, April L. Chauvin (1975) and Charles B. Chauvin II (1978). After 13 years of marriage, they divorced, and Colleen later married Michael Lalmond in August 1992 after over a decade of living together. They were married for over a decade before divorcing in May 2009. Colleen lived alone for the remainder of her life but continued to cherish the closeness and love of the Lalmond family, who deeply feel her loss.

Colleen was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. Her daughter April fondly remembers her mother's extraordinary ability to bring the family together during Thanksgiving, with special traditions including food preparation and her beloved Christmas cookies—memories that will forever be cherished. Her son Charles treasured her as his best friend, admired her bravery, delighted in her sense of humor, and was humbled by her love. Her grandsons Samuel and Max Raineri describe her as the "most beautiful grandmama to ever exist," highlighting her strength, courage, and the profound love she had for her family.

Colleen's infectious smile and laughter were her trademarks. Her brother, William Dwyer, fondly recalls how she could light up a room and always knew how to lift his spirits. Her brother Terry Dwyer remembers how Colleen always enjoyed his visits, cooking up spaghetti—his favorite dish—and expressing an endearing love with never an unkind word. Terry will miss her humbleness and the kindness she consistently showed. Her sister, Sherry Dwyer, recalls Colleen's deep love for her family, from the M&M's in candy dishes for her grandsons to their memorable trip to Bourn, Cambridgeshire, England, where they enjoyed an English Tea at the Ritz in classy hats. Her niece Trista Gamble cherishes memories of Colleen baking cookies, a Dwyer family tradition that continued with her children. Christmas, in particular, was a time for Colleen to gather family and friends, frost hundreds of cookies, and infuse the occasion with laughter, love, and a jolly spirit.

Despite facing many challenges, including overcoming separate battles with breast and lung cancers, Colleen's spirit remained unbroken. Her sister, Patricia Penney, reflects on Colleen's beauty, her quest for love, and her resilience in the face of life's hardships. Though she encountered difficulties and made some challenging life choices, her unwavering love and kindness never waivered. Despite battling significant health issues, she remained a beacon of warmth and generosity. Her deep affection for her family always remained evident and profoundly felt.

In her professional life, Colleen was proud of her work as a Licensed Insurance Staff Agent for State Farm Insurance Company, where she worked for decades. Her charisma and unfiltered speech made her a favorite among friends, family, and even those she met in her daily life.

Colleen is survived by her two children, April Chauvin (Derry, NH) and Charles Chauvin II (Queensbury, NY) ; her sisters, Patricia Penney and Sherry Dwyer (both of Enfield, CT); her brothers, William Dwyer (Palm City, FL) and Terry Dwyer (Oak Island, NC); her grandsons, Samuel and Max Raineri (both of Derry, NH). She was preceded in death by her parents and her former divorced spouse, Michael Lalmond.

Colleen's life was a testament to her strength, kindness, and unwavering love for her family. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for the joy and warmth she brought into the lives of those who knew her.

Visitation will be September 5, 2024 from 11:00 – 12:00PM with the Funeral Service to follow at the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St, Salem, NH.

Rest in peace, Colleen. You are loved beyond measure.