It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Colleen Hogg (Dwyer), at the age of 66, after a short battle with cancer.

After a long and dedicated career in IT support, which allowed her to travel internationally to India and the Philippines, Colleen retired and returned home to the place she loved most – the beautiful island of Cape Breton. Upon retirement, Colleen embraced life surrounded by family, friends, community and nature.

Colleen spent much of her life giving back to others through volunteer work. In her early years, she was heavily involved with local 4-H clubs, her children’s hockey teams, and school functions. After her retirement, Colleen continued her love of volunteering. She was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever needed and remained deeply committed to supporting her community through various events and organizations throughout her life. Colleen was most proud of being able to serve her community as a volunteer fire fighter with the Christmas Island Volunteer Fire Department.

Colleen always found joy in life’s simple pleasures — tending to her garden, knitting and crocheting gifts for others, camping under the stars, and gathering around bonfires with family and friends. Colleen also loved staying active and social, whether playing pickleball, enjoying trivia nights, or sharing laughter with those around her.

Colleen will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, sense of community, and the warmth she brought to the lives of so many. She leaves behind countless cherished memories and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Colleen is survived by her children, David (Carolyn) and Kelly, grandson, Tristan, siblings, Sharon, Kevin (Sue), Brian, Shauna, Maureen (Roger), Liam, Patrick (Rachel) and Terri (Don) and step-father, Donald MacInnis.

She is pre-deceased by her mother, Anna MacInnis, father, Gillis Dwyer, and siblings, Brendan, Sheilaugh, John and Kelly.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the entire community in which she lived for the love, support, and kindness shown during this difficult time.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Christmas Island Volunteer Fire Department.