Community Rallies Around Heartbroken Middletown Family

MIDDLETOWN, CT — A Middletown family with deep ties to the community is reeling after two heartbreaking losses within the past week and a half. Colleen Watrous, a former school crossing guard who also worked at the Middletown Police Department as a records clerk, died Monday — just 11 days after her mother passed away and one day before she would have turned 62.

Patricia Chapman, Watrous’ mother, died on Thanksgiving at the age of 85. Chapman was also a school crossing guard for the Middletown Police Department.

“Many of you may remember Pat as one of the crossing guards at St. John's Sq. Always there always dependable,” the Middletown Police Department wrote in a post on Facebook. “The children knew they could rely on her to get to school safely. The Middletown Police Department sends their prayers and condolences to Pat's family.”

Just one day after posting the tribute to Chapman, Middletown Police said Tuesday that “our hearts grow more sad, as we learn that her daughter, Colleen Watrous, passed away yesterday after fighting a long illness.”

Insurance did not cover all of Watrous’ medical bills and the family is now struggling to pay for the funeral and the medical bills, according to police.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with funeral costs and any additional funds raised will go toward medical bills, police said.

“For those of you who do not know Colleen, she was a wonderful person, with the biggest heart,” police wrote on Facebook. “Kind to everyone she met. Never spoke ill of anyone.”

Watrous had been sick for a few years and died Monday, the day before her 62nd birthday, from Alzheimer’s disease, according to the GoFundMe page.

“Colleen was a devoted member of our community, from working at the police department as a records clerk for 6 years, helping youngsters as a crossing guard, as well as volunteering at Wadsworth Mansion,” reads a post on the GoFundMe page, which was created by Jessica Coleman. “Colleen leaves behind her husband (Mark) and 3 children (Ernie, Megan, and Tim). Mark is left broken hearted, with quite a few medical bills.

“Colleen’s kindness was immeasurable. She always had a smile, and was ready and willing to help anyone. Colleen loved spending time with her grandchildren and was often seen out and about with them. Colleen was the definition of a doting grandma. Colleen’s illness came at such a young age, that she wasn’t able to obtain life insurance or city benefits that would help with these untimely costs. Let’s help rally around this family and take this heavy burden off their shoulders, especially with the loss of two important and valued family members during the holiday season.”

For more information, or to make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page here.

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