Colleen M. (Walsh) Platt

Colleen M. (Walsh) Platt, 66, of Torrington, CT, peacefully passed away, Saturday, July 14, 2018 at her home.  She was the wife of George Platt for 43 years.

Colleen was born on September 18, 1951, in Waterbury, CT, and graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in education.   She taught at Connecticut Junior Republic for 15 years, before retiring and becoming a very successful Real Estate Agent for the Washington Agency for 19 years.   Her quick wit combined with her large heart endeared her to many first time home buyers as well as business professionals.  Colleen’s laugh would light up a room as she served her community.  As a member of Altrusa, she was the pioneer to recommend the donation of Teddy Bears to the Torrington Police Department to aid in the comfort of children.  As a member of the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Auxiliary Board of Directors, she was active in many successful fundraisers and was instrumental in the purchase of several blanket warmers throughout the facility.  As a Real Estate Agent, she was Top Producer for 15 years, continuing even during the time she willingly participated in an immunotherapy study, and for which her story was featured in the New York Times.  She never allowed her cancer diagnosis to define her or to limit her.   As a volunteer with the local St. Jude Telethon bake sale, she focused on helping families of children with cancer.  Steadfast in her faith, she was a communicant of St. Peter Church.

Colleen’s strength was also evident by devoting her time to her husband and to their three children.  In addition to her husband George, she is survived by their children Kyla Nietch of Torrington, George Platt and his wife Kerry of Collinsville, and Merrick Avery and her husband Michael of Richmond, VA. Her world became complete upon being blessed as a grandmother of five to Brayden Nietch, Brylie Nietch, Gavin Platt, Kensleigh Platt and Porter Marie Avery.  She is also survived by one brother, Lance Walsh of Wolcott, CT; three sisters, Kathleen Vlk of Arizona, Arleen Stack of Watertown, CT, Karleen Smith of Thomaston, CT, several nieces, nephews and many friends.  She was preceded in death by one brother, Shawn Walsh.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 20, 2018, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m. at St. Peter Church, 107 East Main St., Torrington.  Relatives and friends are asked to meet directly at St. Peter Church.  Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Watertown, CT.  Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 19, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington.

In lieu of flowers, Colleen’s family is requesting that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org)  Condolences may be sent to Colleen’s family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com