Colleen Lavonne Blaine

Colleen Lavonne Blaine, 87, went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 11, 2021, in Longview, Washington. She was born on February 12, 1934 in Mott, North Dakota to Edwin J and Fern L. Stierna. Colleen and her extended family moved to Longview from South Dakota in 1943. Colleen was a 1952 graduate of R. A. Long High School and remained in contact with classmates throughout the years.
Colleen was a dedicated employee with a strong work ethic. She began her work-life at the Roxy Theater and Longview Drive-In while attending high school. She worked as a meat wrapper, bookkeeper, bank teller and telephone operator for both the Bell Telephone Company and Weyerhaeuser before retiring. She enjoyed spending time with her husband, Carl, and family at their property on the Kalama River. She and Carl also enjoyed trips to Yuma, Arizona in the winter months.
Colleen will be remembered by those that knew her for her kind and generous heart, her unexpected humor and joyful giggle, as a patient and empathetic listener, and above all else for her ability to unconditionally love and forgive. She showed her love and affection for her family and loved ones by giving unselfishly of herself by cooking, crocheting blankets for loved ones, or sitting by the bedside when someone wasn’t feeling well. Helping others in need was her gift. From a very young age her most important job was protector and caregiver for anyone in need; family, friends, and especially the gentle and loving care she provided for her husband, Carl, never leaving his side.
Colleen is survived by a brother, Robert (Carol) Stierna of Longview, two daughters, Sharon (Joe) Lopatynski of Goshen, Ohio, and Deanna Zandi of Longview; 3 grandchildren, Justin (Jamie) Lopatynski, of Erie, Pennsylvania, Drew (Irina) Zandi of Longview, and Tara Zandi of Loveland, Ohio; as well as two great grandchildren, Addyson and Camden Lopatynski of Erie, Pennsylvania, numerous nieces and nephews, 1 grandcat, Baby, and 2 great-granddogs, Mila and Toby. She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Carl Blaine in 2015, her sister Sonia Diefel, her father Edwin Stierna, and grandparents Elias and Hulda Stierna.
A memorial service will take place at 1pm on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Steel Chapel in Longview. The public is welcome to attend a graveside gathering immediately following the service. Refreshments will be provided in the social room.
Memorial donations may be made to PeaceHealth St. John Hospice, 600 Broadway Suite 187, Longview, Washington 98632 in the name of Colleen Blaine.