VERBURG, (McGuire) Colleen

With broken hearts, we announce the passing
of our dear Maria Colleen Verburg (McGuire) at her home on October 12,
2021 due to complications from lung cancer, at the age of 49.

Loved and sadly missed by her long-time partner Michael McCoy and her
step son Ronan McCoy. Dearly loved daughter of Mary Lou Cairney of
Guelph and Ed Verburg and Mary Anne Wardach of Edmonton, Alberta. Loved
sister of Marcy Verburg and her husband Adam Buitenhuis of Toronto,
Kristen Cairney and her husband Brian Gillis of Guelph and Alex Cairney
and his partner Kimmaly Baribault of Guelph. Missed by her nephew Noah
Buitenhuis and nieces Lilah Buitenhuis, Clara Buitenhuis and Rosie
Gillis. Remembered by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by her
step father Les Cairney and by her grandparents Marge and Bud Meredith
and Jan and Maria Verburg.

From childhood on, Colleen loved variety and colour. She studied Fine
Arts at OCAD, applying her skills to painting, drawing and hair styling.
She also expressed her love for colour in her physical appearance,
designing new tattoos and dyeing her hair every colour of the rainbow.

Colleen taught us all that life does not deal equal hands, but she was
always able to make meaning, art and beauty out of the things that she
experienced. She knew that love, connection and generosity were the
antidotes to suffering and no matter how little she had, there was
always enough to share. She had a special bond with animals who
perceived her gentle spirit.

“The artist sees what others only catch a glimpse of”-Leonardo da Vinci

Cremation has taken place. A visitation for Colleen will take place
within the next few weeks. Please check her memorial page at
www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com for further details. A private service to
follow. As expressions of sympathy, donations to The Guelph Humane
Society, CAMH or Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the
family. Online donations and condolences can be made at
www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com.