Colleen Solinger 1951-2025
AUSTINTOWN — It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the sudden passing of Colleen Solinger, 74, who passed away Sunday, June 1, 2025. She left this world far too soon and her absence is felt deeply by all who knew her.
Born Feb. 7, 1951, in Youngstown, Colleen was known for her giving heart and unwavering faith. She was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend and dog mom — who poured love and care into every corner of her life.
Colleen was a proud graduate of Ursuline High School, Class of 1969. She dedicated her career to serving children and families at Leonard Kirtz School, where she worked with deep compassion and joy until her retirement in October 2024. Retirement suited her well — she was enjoying it immensely, planning summer travel with family and friends, and dreaming of a long-awaited trip to Alaska.
A creative spirit, Colleen loved crafting with her Cricut, sewing, painting, cross-stitching beautiful pieces, and making heartfelt gifts for friends and family. She found peace in her garden and joy in the company of her beloved Yorkie, Rosie.
Her faith was central to her life and she was deeply involved with the Social Concerns Committee at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, always seeking ways to serve others with kindness and generosity.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Stella Pruszkowski; her sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Ronald Lombel; her sister-in-law, Peggy Pruszkowski; and her aunts, Rose Sokol and Rose Murray.
Colleen is survived by her three children, Melissa Solinger of Columbus, Erik Solinger, and his wife, Shawna of Beaver, Pa., and Elizabeth Solinger of Columbus. She was a devoted and loving grandmother to Abigail and Evelyn Solinger. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Pruszkowski of Arlington, Virginia; her aunt, Bernice Malik of Cuyahoga Falls; her beloved Yorkie, Rosie; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Family and friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 9, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4490 Norquest Blvd., Austintown. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations of new or gently used winter coats may be made to The Needle’s Eye, 74 Kenmore Ave., Youngstown, OH 44507 — a cause very near to her heart. Coats may be delivered directly to the organization or dropped off at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Alternatively, those who wish may honor her memory by performing a kind act for someone else, just as she so often did.
Her warmth, creativity and love will remain with us always.
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(special notice)