BAKERMANS, Colleen Annette Bakermans

Early in the morning on September 6, 2025, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Colleen Bakermans, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving husband, Mark and their daughters. Laughter and a love so deep surrounded her as she ended this journey we call life, leaving behind a legacy that will live on forever.

Born on September 8, 1963, in Picton, Ontario, Colleen was cherished by her parents, Donna and John Futers (predeceased), and grew up alongside her brothers, Paul and Glen. Family was always at the center of her life. Instilled at an early age was the value of family and Colleen carried this on in an unparallelled way. Every motion in her life revolved around her family, both biological and chosen. She was the proud mother of Elisabeth Ashley Farlymn (Matthew), Judith Amanda Leblanc, Jessica Danielle Beattie (Simon). She married her beloved Mark and became the proud mother to Hannah Annette Bakermans later in life and was a committed Grandmother to ten adored grandchildren: Jackson, Callan, Haven, Zephaniah, Lydia, Zechariah, Elisha, Isaiah, Emmett, and Colin. Her family extended beyond the biological, as she embraced so many throughout life including her chosen sister, Sue Hiam who held a special place in her heart.

For 25 years, Colleen worked tirelessly as an Educational Assistant at Ajax High School. She was a steady, supportive, compassionate presence whose kindness and dedication impacted countless students and colleagues. Her warmth, patience and dedication left a lasting impact on countless lives. She believed in showing up, the power of education and leading with kindness and empathy—lessons she passed on to all who knew her.

Colleen had a strength that many admire and a grace that many will aspire to emulate. She supported her daughters through all aspects of life, was a devoted wife to her husband Mark and the best Grandma and Oma to her grandchildren. She put her all into giving, even when ill. We ask that, in honour of her spirit, when faced with difficulty, channel Colleen’s compassion, humility, open heart and be the one to offer a home to those in need.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her love and the memories shared will live on. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Visitation at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home, 5295 Thickson Rd N. Whitby on Wednesday September 17th from 5:00 -8:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held in Barnes Chapel Thursday September 18th at 11:00 am. Colleen’s family will have a family only private interment after the service.
Messages of condolence and shared memories can be left for the family by visiting barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com

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