Colleen C. Fisher Wood McNeil, 79

Colleen C. Fisher Wood McNeil, 79, passed away peacefully on Sept. 25, 2015, after a long illness at Brendan House, Kalispell.

She was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, on Feb. 15, 1936. She was born to Halton and Cicely Fisher.

At age 2, the family moved to Whitefish. Colleen spent all of her years in Washington, Alaska and Montana.

In her younger years, in addition to being a wonder homemaker, mother, grandmother and friend, she helped with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Mom grew up in a home filled with music. She had a beautiful voice, and loved to sing. She played the clarinet in her high school band, and especially loved marching in the parades. She greatly enjoyed bowling, fishing, sewing and, most of all, baking. Mom made the best cinnamon rolls ever.

In her later years, she loved getting on her computer. She spent a great deal of time gathering as much of the family genealogy information as she could find. Mom was smart as a whip. She enjoyed watching every episode of “Jeopardy” with her husband Harold, who teasingly called her “The English Scholar,” as there were hardly any questions which she could not answer. She loved history, and enjoyed watching old movies and documentaries surrounding World War II. Mom shared many stories of growing up in Whitefish. She would say, “Times sure have changed. Things weren’t so hectic then; you actually knew your neighbors, and people seemed to care much more than they do now.”

Mom had so very many great qualities, she shared, and passed down to her children, and family. Mom had an amazing sense of humor, and would keep us all in stitches. She would say “Now, turn off the lights, when you’re not using them.” “Always make your beds.” “Practice your cooking, until you get it right, it just takes practice,” and would share her story of making her very first pie crust at the age of 12 all day long until she got it right. She never gave up anything, no matter the task at hand — which was something she also passed along. Mom told us to make pots of stuff, as it would go much further, thus never to be wasteful. And to go out in the brisk air, as it will make you feel better. And most importantly, to always plan ahead. She taught us so many lessons in her life, and gave us so many wonderful memories and love that will be forever cherished. Her legacy will continue to live on.

Mom’s favorite time of year was fall, with the changing colors of the trees, the brisk air, and the beauty surrounding us. Thus it is a great blessing, she was able to go home peacefully in her favorite time of year.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Jacque H. Wood and James P. McNeil; her loving parents, Halton and Cicely Fisher; brother Joe Fisher and wife Elberta Fisher Moser; brother Dale Fisher and wife Caroline Fisher; nephew Ted Fisher; and niece Judy Fisher Hanson.

She is survived by her husband Harold Oney; brother Rod Fisher and wife Carie; daughter Shelley Dodot of Columbia Falls; and son Patrick McNeil and wife Colette of Whitefish; grandchildren, Brandi Howell and husband Karl, and their children, Christopher, Kymberly, Colton and Kamarhi; Summer Blankenship and her children, Zakary, Gage and Cole; Britnie Corbett and husband Shawn and their children, Blake, Jaxon and Addyson; Jerry Johnson; and Kaleena McNeil and her children Gracie and Braydon; She is also survived by her nieces and nephews (Joe Fisher family) Lolita Lee, Terry Stauffer, Tony Fisher, Bonnie Dueno, Coral Harter, Clark Fisher, Daniel Fisher, Julie Fisher Koster; (Dale Fisher family) Jeri Barz and Gary Fisher; (Rod Fisher family) Gail White, Ivy Merriot, Zo Bergen and Tommy Fisher.

A private memorial for family and close friends to honor and celebrate her life will be held at 3 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Oney and McNeil residence, with a meal to follow.