Sometimes when people work together, especially those in law enforcement-related jobs, they connect with others so deeply and so well that something special happens and a family is created. This is how our mother, Irene Colwill, was treated - like family - by her colleagues at the NYS Sheriffs' Institute and Association and the many state-wide staff at the County Sheriff Offices, and it’s also how she felt about them all.

The sadness over the loss of our mother was eased by the generosity, thoughtfulness, and care demonstrated by those she worked with in person and from a distance. Thank you to the many Officers who honored her - at the funeral home entrance and with the traffic and procession. Special thanks to Columbia County Sheriff Dave Bartlett who graciously extended himself and coordinated the Sheriff’s escorts, traffic control, and the display of the Sheriffs’ flags; the extent of your actions moved us deeply and we are forever grateful. The flowers, outpouring of love, personal notes and many cards were overwhelming and deeply touched our hearts as well.

Thank you for the honor you showed her and for helping us to remember her as the upbeat, sweet, helpful, friendly and kind woman who loved her job and her extended Sheriff family so much too.

With deepest gratitude,

Pam Mead, Don White, David White & Family, Jack Colwill & Family