Colleen Ylinen Economos

With heavy hearts and tearful eyes, we say goodbye to a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many with her unwavering strength, love, and grace. Colleen Ylinen Economos, a devoted wife, loving mother, dedicated grandma, cherished sister, adored aunt, and loyal friend, passed away on October 22nd after a valiant battle with breast cancer.

Colleen was born on July 5th, 1952 to Ivan and Irene Ylinen, in Duluth, Minnesota. From an early age, it was clear that she possessed a special light and warmth that drew people to her. She was a beacon of kindness, compassion, and love throughout her life.

In 1976, Colleen married the love of her life, John Andrew Economos, and together they built a strong and enduring partnership filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Their bond was a testament to the power of love and commitment.

As a mother, Colleen was nothing short of extraordinary. She poured boundless love, care, and wisdom into her four boys, Steve, Nick, Andrew, and Mike, and they were her pride and joy. She was a pillar of strength, offering unwavering support and guidance in their pursuits and always celebrating their achievements, no matter how small.

Colleen was not only a devoted wife and mother but also a loving sister and cherished aunt. She shared a special bond with her siblings, Mike Ylinen, Judy Knuckey, and Mary Forgacs, and was a constant source of love and inspiration to her nieces and nephews. Her nurturing spirit and guidance left an indelible mark on their lives.

Colleen found immeasurable joy in her role as a grandmother, with her twelve grandchildren - MJ, Ty, James, Catelin, Jaxson, Brendan, Reese, Lincoln, Jake, Andi, Gabrielle, and August Economos - being the shining lights in her life and the embodiment of her legacy. Her love, warmth, and affection extended not only to her grandchildren but also to her daughters-in-law- Julie, Kerry, Leah, and Lee - creating a close-knit family that will forever treasure her influence as both a loving grandmother and a cherished mother-in-law.

Colleen’s circle of friends knew her as a kind-hearted and empathetic individual. Colleen Ylinen Economos was always there to lend a listening ear, offer a helping hand, and provide unwavering support. Her friendship was a treasure to those who were fortunate to call her a friend.

Colleen’s battle with breast cancer was an inspiring testament to her resilience. She faced this formidable adversary with courage, grace, and an unwavering spirit that inspired all who knew her. Her journey and strength serve as a reminder of the importance of hope and determination in the face of adversity.

Colleen leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to resonate in the hearts of those she touched. Though she may be physically gone, her memory will live on through the countless lives she enriched.

A celebration of Colleen’s life will take place on Sunday, October 29th from 3-5 pm at Eagle Rock Distributing Company in Norcross, Ga. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 30th at 11am at All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to JDRF, Operation One Voice, or National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

As we say our farewells, let us remember Colleen not with tears but with gratitude for the time we had with this incredible woman. She will forever remain in our hearts as an inspiration to live life with love, strength, and grace.

"Though her smile is gone forever, and her hand we cannot touch, we still have so many memories of the one we loved so much."

Rest in peace, dear Colleen Ylinen Economos.

With love and fond memories,

The Economos Family