Colleen Cantlon

Colleen Margaret Cantlon died on Monday, April 17, 2023, at the age of 81. She was born on April 27, 1942, to LaVerne and M. Margaret Sheehy Cantlon in LaCrosse, WI. She lived and worked on her family’s dairy farm in Ettrick, WI, in Trempealeau Co. until she went to nursing school.

She received a nursing diploma from St. Francis School of Nursing in LaCrosse in 1963. In June 1972, she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from UW-Madison. In August 1975, she received a Master’s in Nursing Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York City. Colleen taught at St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing and the Hunter College School of Nursing, both in NYC, and was a nursing supervisor at St. Vincent’s Hospital in NYC. She returned to Wisconsin in 1977, and assumed positions at Madison General Hospital, Edgewood College and the State Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal and Child Health Section. She served in her latter position as a nursing consultant for 13 years and enjoyed her work there immensely.

In 1980, Colleen married James L. Greenwald at the L’Etoile Restaurant in Madison and they were happily married for 43 years. She quickly became a much-loved stepmother and step grandmother to Jim’s children and grandchildren. Colleen and Jim enjoyed sailing, bicycling, and playing tennis with their friends. They took many trips to foreign countries and throughout the U.S. They enjoyed living in the Hill Farms and Sunset Hills Neighborhoods in Madison, where Colleen became involved in neighborhood activities. Colleen was a long-time member of AA and attended meetings on a regular basis.

Colleen is survived by her husband Jim, Jim’s children, and grandchildren, 3 sisters and 2 brothers and many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews and their families.

On Thursday, April 27 a memorial gathering will take place at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., from 9:30-10 am.  A celebration of Colleen’s life will be at 10 am.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road  Madison

(608) 238-3434