Wilhelmina (Billy) Marie Coldren

Billy Coldren, age 67, passed away after a short illness on Wednesday, November 28th, at her home, Shel-Mar, in Coopersville, Michigan.
Billy was born June 4, 1951 in Illinois to James Raymond and Patricia Hoopes Coldren. She also lived in Virginia, New York State, and New Jersey. She attended Lochland School in Geneva, New York before moving with the rest of her family to Glen Ridge, NJ in the early 1960’s. Billy completed her education through the Special Ed program in Essex County, NJ. She moved to Holland, MI in the mid-1970’s, where she lived with her sister P.J. Coldren for about twenty years. While in Holland, Billy was a client at Kandu Industries until they shut their doors a few years ago. She has been attending various day programs in Coopersville, MI since that time. Over the years, Billy spent some of her time volunteering for several groups in varying capacities. She enjoyed attending local theatre performances, both in Holland and in Saugatuck, MI. She loved watching movies, and listening to her extensive collection of music CDs. Billy was always a cat person, and was rarely as happy as she was when holding a kitten or two on her lap.
Billy was preceded in death by both her parents; her younger brother Patrick D. Coldren, Sr.; and her step-mother Virginia W. Kelly. She is survived by her siblings: P.J. (Darryl Smith) Coldren,; James R. (Mary Novak) Coldren, Jr., and Carol C. (Dale) Perry; sister-in-law Gwen (Lonnie) Newsome; step-sister Lisa (Ken) Jensen Wingate; ten nieces and nephews; as well as four great-nephews and a great-niece.
The family extends their heart-felt thanks and gratitude to Rochelle Rawlings, Billy’s primary caregiver for many, many years. Billy’s life would have suffered tremendously without Shelly’s benevolent yet firm guidance and care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name/honor/memory may be made to the following groups:
Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741
The ARC of Essex County, attn: Camp Hope, 123 Naylon Ave., Livingston, NJ 07039 or on-line at https://arcessex.org/donate for Camp Hope