From On Eagles' Wings, 2nd ed., p. 56
Colleen Renee Brunner
January 4, 1968 - December 21, 1988
United States of America
Student
Seat Number 44C
A junior majoring in communications studies at State University of New York at Oswego, Colleen Renee Brunner was traveling home following completion of her college's London exchange program. Colleen was traveling home with Lynne Hartunian. The two had traveled for several weeks through Spain, France, Italy, Austria, German, and Switzerland after their classes in London had ended. Her favorite memories overseas included the opportunity to shake hands with the Pope and visits with her relatives in Dublin, Ireland. The youngest of eight children, Colleen is survived by her mom, Pat; brothers, Donald, Michael, William (Ann), and Robert (Tracy); and sisters, Cheryl, Karen (Leo), and Patti (Tim). Her father has since passed away.
Colleen was born and raised in North Boston, New York. She was a graduate of Hamburg Senior High where she served as secretary and vice president of the Student Council, a member of the Varsity Cheerleading squad, and a three-year member of the Catalina Club.
At Oswego, she enjoyed her job in the Admissions Office and was very active in the Alpha Sigma Chi sorority. Her summer jobs included office work at the Erie County Water Authority.
A memorial Scholarship fund has been established at SUNY Oswego in her honor and to date (2000), 27 students have received scholarships in her memory. Hamburg Senior High also presents the Colleen Brunner Student Council Scholarship yearly to a graduating senior.
Her mother explains that Colleen loved sports and received numerous awards for her athletic ability. Her love for life, family, and friends was overwhelming. She had a special gift of inner love, which projected in her warm, beautiful smile to everyone she came in contact with. Once you met her, you never forgot her.
"Yeen," you touched the hearts of so many in your short life. Your smile, personality, and all the private, special moments we all shared with you, now will be cherished as memories. We will never forget you.