Colleen Angela Connelly Moss

Colleen was born on January 26, 1939, and died on July 13, 2024.

Colleen was predeceased by her parents Harry S. Connelly, Sr., and Marian Meyer, husband John “Buzz” Moss, five of her six siblings: William Connelly, Patricia Holt, Harry (Pete) Connelly, Jr., Mike Connelly, Thomas (Chris) Connelly; and daughter-in-law Lara Moss. One sibling survives Colleen: Denis (Jeanne) Connelly; along with her three children: Angela Chavarriaga (Pedro), Gregory Moss, and Stuart Moss; grandson Tyler, and her beloved dog Ruby.

Colleen was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, where she attended Blessed Sacrament and Mount Carmel Catholics schools. Colleen thought about being a flight attendant or a nun and went to three semesters of college to figure out her life’s plan; however, she eventually decided she would not be flying the friendly skies or wearing a habit and returned to Wichita. Colleen had met Buzz in high school, but they did not date until she returned from her college tour. Colleen and Buzz eventually married and moved to Topeka, Kansas, to raise their growing family. In 1978, Buzz and Colleen moved Angela, Greg, and Stuart to Phoenix, Arizona, to start a new life. Colleen immediately joined St. Theresa’s Catholic Church and has been a member ever since. This began a long relationship with many friends and families at St. Theresa’s Parrish. 

The Catholic Church, her family, and her church friends were the most important people in her life. At St. Theresa’s, Colleen was a choir member who sang tenor and bass, she was a teacher’s aide for various grades, and she worked in the school office for many years. Colleen eventually created a new position for herself as the wedding coordinator and oversaw the marriages of many couples, some of whom were her former students. Everyone knew Mrs. Moss!

Colleen was known as The Sweater Lady as every sweater she wore was made by her. We discovered several sweaters in her home and a few that she had started but sadly remain unfinished. Colleen also made countless scarves, baby booties, blankets, and hats for newborn children of friends and family members: Colleen was incredibly talented!

Colleen was an avid reader, talented cook and was affectionately known as The Pie Wizard: her desserts were legendary. She has hosted a New Years’ Day open house since the 1960’s where she offered to guests her famous black-eyed peas for good luck in the New Year, and all the sweets and candy you could eat. No one ever left hungry and once you were invited, you had a standing invitation. 

Thank you to Hospice of the Valley for taking kind care of Colleen at the end of her life, and thank you to the Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home for her care post death. The Moss and Chavarriaga families also want to thank all of Colleen’s friends and families at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church and elsewhere for their love and support over the years and especially now as we say goodbye. 

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10:45am, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, Arizona, 85018. 

Hug and hold tight those you love as you will never pass this way again.