Colleen Therese Fairfield

GRAND HAVEN, MI-Colleen Therese Fairfield passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Robbinswood Memory Care in Grand Haven, MI.

Born in Greenland, MI, to Earl and Grace (Herlach) Harrington, Colleen lived a life rooted in love, laughter, music, and deep family bonds. She carried with her the spirit of her Irish heritage – resilient, joyful, and full of quiet strength.

She worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for many years, where her kindness and integrity made a lasting impact. She was a steady hand and a compassionate heart to those navigating life’s challenges.

She cherished her time living near Lake Superior, a place that brought her peace and a deep sense of belonging. Some of her happiest days were spent walking the beach, swimming in the lake, and hosting family reunions at her lake home, where the echoes of laughter, music, and storytelling linger still.

Music was always close to Colleen’s heart, especially traditional Irish melodies that reminded her of her roots. She often sang or hummed softly to her grandchildren, especially the familiar tune ‘Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, too-ra-loo-rali…’ Her gentle voice and warm presence soothed generations, like the lullaby itself.

She loved reading, knitting, traveling, and she never passed up a chance to test her luck. Whether it was a spontaneous trip to the casino or a scratch-off tucked in a card, Colleen brought a twinkle in her eye and a playful spirit wherever she went.

She treasured her winters in Florida with close friends and family, and found great joy at her son’s condo, where the sun seemed to shine a little brighter.

Colleen is survived by her husband, Ivan Fairfield; her beloved children: Marc Anderson, Therese (Scott) Letts, Lisa (Mark) Harrod, Daniel (Paula) Anderson, and David Anderson; and her grandchildren: Chelsea (Andy) Swetnik, Tina (Kyle) Reno, Edwin Anderson, Scott (Kirsti) Letts, Wyatt Anderson, Evan Tobias, Michael Hemmila, Lucas (Thea) Harrod, Grace (Josh) Hawkins, and Megan (Frank) Zappa.

She was lovingly known as ‘GG’ by her 16 great-grandchildren: Calvin, Sawyer, Everett, Veda, Harriet, Lumi, Otto, Gemma, Jasper, Juniper, Barrett, Briggs, Cora, Loretta, Henry, and Leland. Each one held a special place in her heart and carried forward her love and legacy.

She is also survived by her brother Tom (Mary Ann) Harrington, sisters Gay Mitchell and Leanne Greene, and many near nieces and nephews who brought her so much joy.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Edwin Anderson, infant son Robert Thomas Anderson, and other beloved family members.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on September 12, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Peter’s Cathedral, with interment at 12:15 pm, at Holy Cross Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm at 829 Lakewood Lane.

The family invites you to celebrate Colleen’s life with them during the services and the gathering at her cherished lake home. All who knew and loved her are welcome to share memories, laughter, and love in her honor.

Colleen will be remembered for her boundless love, quiet strength, love of music, a good gamble, deep connection to family, heritage, and the waters of Lake Superior. As the Irish lullaby goes, ‘That’s an Irish lullaby,’ a tender farewell to a life so beautifully lived and lived well

Memories of Colleen may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com