Colleen Mary Mackin

Colleen M. Mackin, a resident of Milwaukie, Oregon, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, at the age of 101, just shy of her 102nd birthday.

Colleen was born in Adrian, Minnesota, to Emil Jungers and Clara Tremmel. Her family later relocated to Sibley, Iowa, where she grew up and graduated from Sibley High School. At just 18 years old, Colleen boarded a train from Iowa to Oregon to live with her aunt.

During World War II, she worked as a burner at the Kaiser Shipyards in Portland and proudly took part in history during the first all-woman ship launching of the SS Nehalem in 1944.

In 1945, Colleen married, Charles Cole (now deceased), and together they welcomed two daughters, Lynne Williams and Merrie Garcia (now deceased).

A dedicated professional and active member of her community, Colleen worked as a secretary for the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 11 for over 20 years. She was also a faithful parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church.

In 1983, Colleen found love again and married, Robert Mackin (now deceased). Together, they traveled the world, drove their motorhome across the United States, and spent their winters in the Arizona sun to escape the cold Oregon months.

When she wasn't traveling, Colleen filled her days with things that brought her joy. She loved square dancing with the Record Breakers, working on countless crochet projects, watching sports, and tending to her garden. She also gave back to her community by volunteering for many years at the Providence Milwaukie Hospital gift shop.

She is survived by her brother, James Jungers; daughter, Lynne Williams; grandchildren, Brent, Shelbie, Kari, Tye, and Kirk; great-grandchildren, Jayda, Rebekkah, Austin, Emma, Zak, Blakely, Easton, and Sydney; and great-great-grandchildren, Roman, Wallie, Weston, and Zayne.

A small graveside service to celebrate Colleen’s long and beautiful life will be 2:30 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2026, at Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery, 11666 SE Stevens Rd, Happy Valley, OR.