Colleen M Wiley

She was born August 10, 1949 in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of the late Leonard Nuebel and Mary Shuey. She was the eldest of 5 children.

On January 18, 1969 she married William B. (“Bill”) Wiley in St. Petersburg, FL. They brought into this world two lovely daughters, Heather Nicole Bunch and Ashlea Wiley Fairchild and are the proud grandparents of five wonderful children: Dakota Wiley Bunch, Austin Cooper Bunch, Sydney Dawn Bunch, Knallie Reese Fairchild, and Jack Wiley Fairchild.

Colleen graduated from Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport, FL in 1967. She graduated with Honors from Tallahassee Community College in 1977 with an Associates of Arts Degree- Emphasis in Art. She subsequently attended Florida State University- College of Education and graduated in 1979, Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education.

In 1979, she was employed as a Classroom Teacher at Sealey and W.T. Moore Elementary Schools, teaching kindergarten and second grade, respectively. Her prior work experiences included retail sales and credit services. While attending FSU, she worked as a legal secretary for the late Richard McFarlain, Bill’s mentor, law partner and long-time friend of the family. In 1982, Heather was born and Colleen’s “real” work experience began. She was the ultimate involved Mom- never missing an event in Heather’s or Ashlea’s “growing up” lives.

Colleen’s hobbies and interests were many and varied. In the early days of marriage before children, she helped Bill train field trial and hunting retrievers- and even did a bit of duck and dove hunting. She enjoyed traveling with Bill, fly fishing in Montana and Oregon, snow skiing, tennis, cooking, her silver Corvette, arts and crafts, working with stained glass, Bunko and card games—and just generally embracing life and having fun. In 2001, she developed a passion for competitive duplicate bridge and attained the level of Life Master in 2007. But her greatest passion was her family, and that was the centerpiece of her life.

In September, 2008 she and Bill were in a horrific automobile accident that changed their lives completely. Colleen was critically injured but after multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation, she beat all odds and for several years was able to return to the bridge tables, travel to see her girls and grandchildren, attend bridge tournaments and even sail on cruises with daughters and friends. Her strength, determination and will to live were incredible and she fought bravely to the very end.

She is survived by her husband, daughters and grandchildren described above. In addition, she is survived by her four brothers: John Nuebel, Paul Nuebel, Michael Nuebel and James Nuebel.

In lieu of flowers, please do an unsolicited act of kindness for someone in need and/or make a contribution to St, Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Due to the current Covid situation, a small private memorial service will be held with family and very close friends.

Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home is assisting the Wiley family with all arrangements.