Colleen Murphy Tigelman

If, as the song says, Just a little bit of heaven fell from out the sky one day to form Ireland, then that debt was partially repaid when a little bit of Ireland made its way back to the heavenly realms on angels' wings. Colleen Murphy Tigelman, from a long line of Davins, Paddens, Lynches and Murphys, passed away on July 15, 2026 after a long battle with dementia.

Colleen was born in Minneapolis on September 24, 1942. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in journalism and promptly made her way to Washington, D.C. She worked in journalism there and in several other places, including Pennsylvania, Indiana, Cleveland and, lastly Akron, Ohio, ending her career as assistant managing editor at the Akron Beacon Journal. Along the way, she also earned a master's degree in history from Kent State University.

It was at the Beacon Journal that she met her husband Bob, who, acting uncharacteristically quickly, proposed to her on their sixth date - St. Patrick's Day. He always said he would have asked on the first date, but he didn't want to scare her with his abruptness. They were married in 1981 and spent their entire married life with friends and family in Akron.

Colleen and Bob were not blessed with children of their own, but they were blessed with many, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and even grand-nieces and grand-nephews, on whom to shed their attention and affection, and receiving in return the joy that only children can give.

They shared many interests, including music, theater, sports and travel, with many wonderful trips to Europe and throughout the U.S. and Canada. But Colleen still found ample time to pursue her concern and advocacy for social justice and racial justice, initially as coordinator of the community-wide Coming Together project that was initiated by the Beacon Journal, and then through several long-running faith-based programs and efforts.

Colleen was predeceased by her parents Donald and Agnes Murphy, sisters Margaret Van Lear, Beth Murphy and Charlotte Rife and sister-in-law Mary Ann Taray. She is survived by her husband, Bob, sister Susan Murphy of Chicago, brother-in-law David Van Lear of Brainerd, MN as well as those many nieces and nephews.

She will be sorely missed by family and friends and all who knew her. And, although her winning smile would likely be enough to get her through those Pearly Gates, she takes with her on this journey a life filled with good works and love.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held for the family at St. Hilary Parish, in Fairlawn.

Remembrances, if desired, may be made to Akron Children's Hospital or to a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the staff of Maplewood Senior Living for their loving and attentive care over the many years of her residency there.

Time for us to part now, but we won't say goodbye.

Just look for me in rainbows, shining in the sky.

Every waking moment, and all your whole life through

Just look for me and love me, as you know that I loved you.

It will not be forever; the day will come and then

My loving arms will hold you, when we meet again.

Just wish me to be near you, and that is where I'll be ...

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.