Colleen Rose Sater-Barkman, 36, of Niles

Published 8:31 am Thursday, July 19, 2018

June 10, 1982 — July 5, 2018

Colleen Rose Sater-Barkman, 36, of Niles, died peacefully at Bronson United Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, on July 5, 2018, after a yearlong battle with colon cancer.

Colleen was born June 10, 1982, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, to Nanette and Ralph Sater.

Colleen Rose Sater-Barkman

She graduated from Niles High School and attained a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in education. Colleen worked as a case manager at Keys Counseling prior to her diagnosis. She equipped students and families with both educational and life skills to enhance their success. Colleen believed that knowledge is power and that everyone should wholeheartedly seek it.

She was a lifelong learner and teacher, taking on multiple tutoring jobs even after her life altering diagnosis. She sought to educate and empower herself and others despite any obstacles. She became an encourager and source of information for others battling cancer as well and encouraged everyone to seek answers, get regular screenings, eat well and listen to their bodies even as her health was deteriorating.

Colleen was an animal advocate, taking in strays, coordinating rescues and gathering supplies for local shelters. She enjoyed sharing this and her many passions with her children. Among these hobbies were a love for geology, crafts, gardening and cooking.

Colleen is survived by her husband Jason Barkman and children, Andrew Mazella (Gillian), Ethan Barkman, Elena Barkman, Alia Barkman, Olivia Barkman, Adeline Barkman, grandson Karson Mazella, mother Nanette Capron-Stuglik (Ron), father Ralph Sater (Jamie), mother-in-law Nancy Bennett-Lolmaugh, sisters Bridget Heighway, Angie Sater, Jillian Sater, Justine Sater,  Joyie Alvord, Jenny Yarbrough, Jackie Howell, brothers Ralph Sater, Jeremy Howell, step brothers Daniel Stuglik and Eric Stuglik, six nieces and two nephews. She was preceeded in death by her aunt Connie Hover and brother-in-law Chris Heighway.

A celebration of life Memorial will be held on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Pokagon United Methodist Church, 31393 Kansas Street, Dowagiac, MI 49047. Contributions can be made in memory of Colleen to her surviving family at gofundme.com/barkman-family-life-fund.