Colleen Annette Champagne

Colleen Annette Champagne, born October 31, 1952 to the late Raymond and June Coponen, created her last masterpiece, poised with beauty amidst the pain on November 26, 2024.

Born in Detroit and spending her first years in the picturesque Atlantic Mine, Colleen was raised in Westland and attended Garden City High School, where she graduated and continued her education at Eastern Michigan University. Armed with her teaching degree, a paintbrush and a heart full of passion, she influenced countless students, offering not just lessons in art, but guidance in life’s grace and resilience.

Her prized masterpieces came in a different form, of flesh and blood, with her sons Nicholas and Matthew, where they were the living subjects to her Halloween creations. She wed her loving husband, Neil, in 1989, creating their unique blended family, and together they crafted a life of adventure; creating new memories by moving across the country before settling in Merritt, Michigan, where they planted their roots and impacted all who knew them.

A Yooper at heart, Colleen often found solace beneath the apple tree and their cabin on the Champagne 80. Just as her artwork, her memories were brushed with family, friends and the great outdoors. She was as much a hunter of precious memories as that of the simpler prey she chased in the woods.

Colleen was no stranger to life’s battles, having faced many bouts of cancer with courage and tenacity. She stood tall with a heart full of fight, teaching everyone around her what it truly meant to be resilient and vivacious. Her gentleness and kindness always covered her pain. Even in her final moments, she fought to hold on until she found peace alongside her Lord and Savior.

Colleen was preceded in passing by her parents, Raymond and June Coponen, her beloved Neil Champagne and son Aaron Champagne. Each goodbye deepened the reservoir of love in her heart, and she now joins them in eternal peace.

Surviving her are her children, Nicholas Bednorek, Matthew Bednorek, Janice (Jim) Rae and Jody (Jennifer) Champagne along with her grandchildren Cody Bednorek, Rosalyn Bednorek, Bella Rae, Jaylen Champagne and Jenalise Champagne. They all will remember her as an ever-shining beacon of warmth, beauty and kindness.

Her siblings, Cindy (Greg) Waker and John (Sandra) Coponen, will forever honor the memory of a sister whose personality was as sweet as her famous homemade cheesecake. Her legacy, full with love, laughter, and wit, will continue in their hearts.

Colleen’s life was filled with love, joy, battles fought bravely, and victories savored modestly. While she departs from this world, her art and the warmth of her spirit will remain a timeless masterpiece of beauty and resilience that no watercolor or charcoal works could ever portray. We love you, always and forever.

There will be no funeral services held. Memories shared to her loved ones are welcomed and encouraged.