Laura C. Colgan

Laura Corrine (Craig) Colgan, 101, died peacefully on May 11, 2010 while surrounded by her family. Laura was born August 29, 1908 in Aberfeldy, Ontario to Charles and Jean Craig. She came to the United States to work in 1928 and became a US citizen in 1943. While at a dance, she met Albert Eugene Colgan, and they were married May 18, 1934. Albert died October 10, 1975.

Laura was known for her fiercely independent spirit, her delicious cooking and baking, her gardening, and her strong work ethic. She was featured in the Times Herald column John Browns People with the headline: Colgans Motto: Hard Work Never Hurt Anybody and received the Good Neighbor Award. She was known to many as Aunt Laura, and her siblings often called her Mickey.

In 1944, Laura began working as Rosie the Riveter at Chrysler. She was a member of Gratiot Park United Methodist Church and spent many hours in the church kitchen preparing dinners. She enjoyed reading, playing games with her grandchildren, and visiting with people. She was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers.

Laura is survived by her three sons: Joseph (Mary) Colgan, Fort Gratiot; Donald (Dorothy) Colgan, Globe, AZ; and Richard (Eleanor) Colgan, Hudsonville, MI; her sister, Sylvia Morwood, Watford, Ontario; nine grandchildren: Craig (Hilary LaMonte) Colgan, Lynda (Andrew) Radvansky, Mark (Susana) Colgan Sr., William Colgan, Andrew Colgan, Anne Johnston, Lynn (Scott) Fiedler, Janet (Randy) Curtiss, and Daniel (Patricia) Colgan; eighteen great-grandchildren: Mark (Chantel), Michael (Katie), and Jennifer Colgan; Jessica (Marquis), Joshua, and Jacob Murfin; Jaelynn Neil; Brooke, Courtney, and Haley Curtiss; Adam and Jordan Radvansky; Zachary and Taylor Colgan; Brent and Brooke Johnston; Maya Carmen del Cruz; and Jackson Colgan; three step-great grandchildren: Steven Curtiss, Cody and Dallas Fiedler; four great-great grandchildren: Kaylyn and Lauryn Warner, Alfonzo Little Jr., and Isaiah King; and many nieces and nephews. Laura was predeceased by her husband Albert and her siblings: Charles, Douglas, Henry, Allan, Howard (Joe), Blake, and Ella Craig, Grace Smith, Sophia Smith-Borowski, Agnes Luno, and Florence Smith.

Services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Port Huron with Rev. David Gladstone officiating. Visitation is Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, Port Huron and Monday 10 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery. Pallbearers are Mark Colgan Sr., Daniel Colgan, Mark Colgan Jr., Michael Colgan, John Morwood, and Robert A. Colgan. Memorials may be made to Gratiot Park United Methodist Church, Port Huron First United Methodist Church, or Blue Water Hospice.