Colleen Duffy Fries passed away peacefully in Fairfield, CT on Saturday, December 23, 2023 after courageously facing the challenges of multiple myeloma for nine years.
She was the youngest of five children born in Lancaster, PA to the late Harold and Peg (Margaret) Duffy Fries. She is survived by her siblings, Duke (Ann Koch) of Baltimore, MD, Trudy (Barry Brandt), Mary (Barry Gentzler), Kate (Bill Benson), all of Lancaster, PA, and her lifelong best friend, Donna Tierney and her husband, Michael of Fairfield.
Colleen was quite close to her ten nieces and nephews, her nineteen great-nieces and nephews, as well as the Tierney children and grandchildren who all cherished her dearly.
Colleen graduated from McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Brandywine College in Wilmington, DE, Fairfield University and the University of Connecticut School of Law. She was exceptionally proud of each of these accomplishments.
She first practiced law at Bai, Pollock, and Dunnigan and later was a founding partner of the law firm of Coyne, VonKuhn, Brady and Fries, LLC, where she practiced law for the remainder of her successful career. Beyond the courtroom, Colleen treasured being a part of her many family trips to the beaches of New Jersey. She was especially proud of her Irish heritage and celebrated that and many other occasions heartily!
Colleen devoted MUCH of her life to many community organizations. She was Vice President of Seymour Pink, a nonprofit group whose mission is to unite the community in the fight against breast cancer. Through her efforts there, she provided needed legal guidance, a helping hand and she was a steward of justice for all. Her expertise in event planning helped foster the incredible growth of Seymour Pink during the last few years.
Colleen was also on the Board of Directors of Living in Safe Alternatives (LISA), an organization that offers alternative living situations for Connecticut’s most vulnerable children and youth.
As a lifelong, devoted Democrat, she was actively involved in the political scene, especially in Seymour, CT. Colleen proudly served as Town Attorney for eight years. She was an elected member of the Seymour Democratic Town Committee and was appointed for a short term on the Board of Police Commissioners.
Colleen is also survived by many dear, close friends including the Robert and Fran Thompson family. From the time Colleen moved from Lancaster to Connecticut, she was considered a part of both the Thompson and Tierney families. Colleen’s family would like to offer a million thanks for all they have done for her over the years, most importantly for the love and care they gave “Leenie” in her final years. The family is forever grateful to Mary Deming, Colleen’s very special friend, who gave so generously of her time to help care for Colleen.
The impact she made on the lives of so many people was invaluable, and our Leenie will be deeply missed.
Friends may greet her family from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Please honor Colleen by wearing something pink in recognition of her deep devotion to Seymour Pink. Gifts and donations in Colleen’s memory may be sent to http://www.seymourpink.com/join-the-fight/donate/.
