Colleen Germain

Madison - Colleen ( Butler ) Germain, died on Friday, March 5, 2010 , at a Madison Hospital after five weeks of care by her husband, family members and numerous doctors and nurses. Colleen was an inspirational mother, friend, and partner.   She unselfishly nurtured her husband Cliff's career in natural resources. She was courageous regarding her views and was politically active in liberal causes such as separation of church and state, nuclear disarmament and environmental causes. She graduated from Marquette University , majoring in journalism. Over her lifetime she was a thoughtful contributor of essays and letters to the editors of major newspapers. Since retirement Colleen and Cliff spent many delightful winters enjoying the mountains in south-east Arizona , building many lasting friendships with other Midwestern ""sunbirds.""   Colleen loved spending time with family and friends on special occasions and on any day! She also liked to travel, exploring Wisconsin and  the United States by car and train, and cruising internationally. Music was important to Colleen, music from the Big Band Era being one of her favorite styles, and she also supported the local live jazz and blues scenes. Colleen was born on December 15, 19 25 , in Des Moines , IA , the daughter of Joseph and Ethel (Hurd) Butler . She is survived by the love of her life, Cliff Germain and daughters Chris (Jerry) Schlichenmaier, Kathi (Daniel Weldeslassie) Koppa, sons Jhon (Ivonne Suryana) Koppa, Joel Koppa, Al (Julie Waldman) Germain, Glenn (Maria-Rosa) Germain, grandchildren Sven (Dawn) Hansen, Eric Hansen, Lily Koppa, Carl Germain, Nora Germain and Gabriel Weldeslassie and great-grandchildren Char, Heather, Kirsten and Morgan Hansen. Colleen was preceded in death by her daughter Joan Koppa and son Michael Koppa. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 13, 2010 at GATES OF HEAVEN, JAMES MADISON PARK, 302 E. Gorham St. from 3pm -5pm , with rememberances of Colleen at 4pm .   In lieu of flowers a donation in her name may be made to Planned Parenthood, 111 King Street , Madison , WI 53703; t he Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice, 122 State St, Suite 405A , Madison WI   53703; or to a cause of your choice.