In Memory of Rev. Colleen Squires (March 16, 1963 – October 23, 2024)
We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Colleen R. Squires, who died on October 23, 2024, at the age of 61.
Colleen was born on March 16, 1963, in Perth Amboy, NJ to Elizabeth Louise Fitzpatrick and Robert Anthony Fitzpatrick. She grew up in New Jersey as the youngest of three children in an intact family. Her parents were devout Catholics, faith and church played a central role in guiding their lives. At fourteen, Colleen moved in with her aunt and uncle, and by eighteen, she decided to leave the Catholic Church. This break allowed her the freedom to explore other religions and belief systems shaping her perspectives on faith and identity. She started thinking ahead to college and her future. In 1986, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts from Rutgers University, NJ. Her college years became her transformative period where she challenged her own beliefs. She took on the role of a college representative speaking to high school students about college life. The Social Studies and Women’s Studies department sought her out as an out-gay student to share her experiences. She had the most rewarding college experience.
In September 1986, Colleen moved to Boston, MA, where she began working as a medical secretary at Tufts-New England Medical Center and later at Harvard Medical School-Mass General Hospital. A few months after moving to Boston, she met the love of her life, Linda. Around the same time, she was invited to a wedding at a Unitarian Universalist Church. As she entered the church, she was struck by the banners hanging from the rafters. This was a place of inclusion- a community that honored all beliefs and welcomed all people. She had always believed that religion should unite people in peace and in that moment, she felt truly invited, welcomed, and at home. Both Colleen and Linda became Unitarian Universalists in 1992. Colleen became involved with the UU church, serving as a lay leader. Inspired by the spirit of inclusion, she felt a calling to ministry. As a UU minister, she wanted to preach meaningful about issues and expose the congregation to a wide variety of teachings, thoughts, and religious practices. Answering this call, she earned her Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School in 2009.
The Rev. Squires was ordained by the First Parish Church in Dorchester, MA on June 3, 2012. Following ordination, she accepted a call to serve as the first minister of the All-Souls Community Church of West Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI. She served the congregation until 2024. She set up a widow’s support group and a high school group. Her leadership marked steady membership growth and a spirit of inclusiveness. She guided the congregation toward the proper use of time to build community with one another. In 2015, under her guidance, the church started a Black Lives Matter monthly vigil which continues to this day with other churches in the area. The Rev. Squires had a calming and grounding presence and a genuine ability to listen deeply to those who shared their struggles and concerns with her.
Colleen attended the 50th anniversary March in Selma, AL in 2015 honoring the historic civil rights movement and reaffirming her dedication to justice and equality. She was a founding member of the Hyacinth Foundation, a support network for people with AIDS. She served on the leadership team of the Amethyst Women and was a volunteer for Mass Equality. Furthermore, she was an active contributor to the Rapidian (hyperlocal news source and citizen journalism platform powered by the people of Grand Rapids, MI), lending her insightful and reflective voice to complex conversations.
Colleen was a talented artist, loved doing home projects, and enjoyed playing games. She was a compassionate listener and a gifted storyteller, always ready to share a tale that could elicit laughter or provoke thought.
Colleen is survived by her wife: Linda Squires; her sister: Elizabeth (Fitzpatrick) Golden, her brother: Robert Fitzpatrick (Barbara Fitzpatrick); her niece: Christine Golden (Marc Bellinger), nephew: Robert Golden (Faith Stearns), and cousin: Kathy Schmidt (Richard Schmidt). She also leaves behind her brothers: Art Squires (Barb Squires), and Mark Squires (Nancy Squires).
A celebration of Colleen’s life was held at 3 pm on December 8, 2024, at All Souls Community Church of West Michigan, 2727 Michigan Ave., NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
In lieu of flowers, donations in the Rev. Colleen Squires’ name may be made to All Souls Community Church of West Michigan.
Notes of condolences may be written here.