Tending the Garden of Life | Remembering Wini Colleran

Winifred “Wini” Brandt Colleran, a beloved member of the Hopkins School community, passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 86.

In a heartfelt eulogy at a service in February, her family shared that Wini was known for her vibrant spirit and an incredible ability to make everyone she met feel like the most important person in the room. She lived a life defined by growth, creativity, and an abundance of love.

“To her core, Wini was a gardener: a caretaker and nurturer,” said her son Dave ’89. “She didn’t just cultivate the earth; she nurtured people, relationships, and communities, leaving behind a sprawling garden of lives she touched.”

Wini’s deep connection to Hopkins School began in 1981 when her eldest son, Dave ’89, enrolled. Over three decades, she wore many hats, including running the campus bookstore in the early days. In those days, before the campus café existed, the bookstore was the social hub where students gathered for snacks, drinks, and a warm interaction with Wini, who took genuine joy in connecting with the kids. What started as a volunteer role on the Parent Council evolved into a 31-year career at the School, including terms as Parent Council President and as a parent representative on the Committee of Trustees.

Wini eventually transitioned to the Development Office as an assistant, where she became what colleague Barbara Monahan described as the “heart and soul of the Development Office.” Wini was defined by her grace under pressure, a sharp sense of humor, and an unwavering commitment to the School. For Wini, no detail was too small, and every person was worth knowing.

Outside of her professional life, Wini was a creative force. “Our childhood home in North Haven is surrounded by extraordinary gardens—a ‘nature extravaganza’ with explosions of color, pots, and carefully tended plants, while her indoor ‘plant room’ is filled with unique and quirky plants,” shared Dave. Her love for cultivation extended to volunteering at the Edgerton Park greenhouse and participating in the North Haven Garden Club

Wini was also an accomplished artist. For over 30 years, she took classes at the Creative Arts Workshop, specializing in metal sculpting. She had a rare eye for beauty, transforming discarded scraps like rusted metal, dried gourds, and old tools into extraordinary pieces of art.

In addition to her artistry, she was a champion of the written letter. She maintained lifelong connections through heartfelt handwritten letters and cards, keeping a steady correspondence with friends across the globe, including a pen pal in China for 45 years.

The most important part of Wini’s life was her family and the roles she played within it: wife, mother, and grandma. She shared 57 years of marriage with her husband, Jack, building a foundation of loyalty and faith that served as a roadmap for their four sons: Dave ’89, Tim ’93, Matt ’95, and Kevin ’99. In a heartfelt eulogy at her memorial, her sons shared that their own close bond with each other was her greatest masterpiece.

According to her family, she was a grandmother of nine. She cherished “Grandma Tuesdays,” dedicating individual days to her grandchildren to bake brownies, complete art projects, and take the time to learn who they were becoming. Her family life was anchored in joyful traditions, including “Colleran-Fest,” “Colleran Christmas,” and cherished family vacations in Aspen, Colorado. Her definition of family was vast; daughters-in-law, neighbors, fellow artists, and the family dog, Luna, were all gathered into her care. According to her sons, if she loved you, you were part of her garden.

When diagnosed with a fast-moving terminal illness in December, Wini met the news with her signature optimism. Rather than harboring bitterness, her immediate response was, “I better get going—I have a lot to do.” Throughout her final months, she stayed positive and grateful for the beautiful life she lived. She used her signature favorite words to the end: “wonderful,” “beautiful,” “amazing,” and “glorious.” 

While her presence will be profoundly missed, the vibrant, loving garden she planted in the hearts of her family, friends, and colleagues will continue to bloom for generations to come.