Colleen O'Shea, 51, passed away on April 5, 2024.  She was a caring wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Her life was filled with love, dedication, boundless energy and enthusiasm.  She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, generosity, and strength that will continue to inspire everyone she knew.

She grew up in Salem, NH and stayed connected to the town after graduating from Salem High School. While attending UMASS Lowell, she began coaching the Salem High School Cheerleading Team. She spent hours watching video tapes of college cheer and introduced the competitive nature of the sport to the high school level. Needing a larger stage, she opened her own gym, Champion Cheer Training Center in Methuen and was an immediate success in the larger world of competitive cheerleading.  After several years, she merged with another local gym to found Celebrity Cheer, and again merged to form East Celebrity Elite. She became an instant celebrity herself, known for her fierce fighting spirit, high expectations, and long blonde hair. She was an exemplary coach and her athletes always went the extra mile for her. Nobody wanted to let her down.  Colleen fulfilled her lifelong dream of being crowned World Champion in 2015, and again in 2017 and 2019. The outpouring of love from the cheerleading world is a testament to her impact and legacy. She was the original "Bombshell" who commanded every room.

Despite all of her career success, Colleen was most proud of her daughters,

Sheridan and Presley.  She was their biggest cheerleader, always on the sidelines and always yelling louder than any other parent.  She led by example, encouraging them to work hard, live life to the fullest, and be the best versions of themselves. She instilled in them the values of compassion, resilience, and determination.  Her children gave her strength during the rough times, and joy all the time.

Colleen also leaves behind her husband, Dave, who steadfastly stood by her side at all times. They first met in middle school and although life took them on separate paths, they reconnected several years later. They shared a bond that is unbroken even now.

Colleen had a passion for life. She loved the beach and the sun. She celebrated holidays with fervor.  She had more Christmas trees, black cats, hearts, and bunnies than a department store.  Holidays gave her another reason to shower her children with love.  She always searched for, and found, the perfect gifts. Additionally, she was very proud of her Irish heritage. If she wasn't wearing pink, she was wearing kelly green.  St. Patrick's Day was always celebrated with the traditional boiled dinner topped off with a Shamrock shake.  This year was no exception.

Her unwavering love, compassion, and spirit touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. In addition to her husband and daughters, she is sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her father, Dennis O'Shea of Sandwich, MA; her mother, Rosemary O'Shea of Haverhill, MA; her sister, Erin Manship and brother-in-law, Steven of Windham; her step-children, Ashley, Haleigh, and Drew Graichen; nieces, Shea and Ceara Manship, Alex Philippon, and many more nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH.

Funeral services and burial will be private for the family.  There will be a celebration of life to be held by East Celebrity Elite at a later date.

For directions or to send a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com