Colleen Anne Finley Foster passed away peacefully in bed on July 6th, 2025 at the age of 78.  All of her life and through her final days, she showed kindness and love toward everyone around her and tapped her toes to the music.

Preceded in death by her parents Mark & Maeve Finley, and her sister Kathleen O'Reilly Finley.  She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Adam & Jennifer Foster of Tustin, California.

Born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, she received her undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Michigan and her Master's degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of Illinois.  She later settled in La Jolla, California.

Colleen worked around the country in various capacities in education and research over the course of her professional life.  She was also an enthusiastic volunteer and lifelong learner, giving back throughout her life with many organizations, including The Painted Turtle & Outpost In-Hospital Programs, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp & Hospital Outreach Programs, the Junior League, the La Jolla Historical Society, the La Jolla Garden Club, the La Jolla Newcomers Club, the University of Michigan Alumni Club and the University of Illinois Alumni Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Painted Turtle are appreciated. The Painted Turtle - Donate