Jenson C.
Colleen Gilhooly-Romano, a beacon of love and learning, left us too soon at 57, dimming the world she so brightly touched. Beloved daughter of Brenda and the late Robert Gilhooly, her light endures in the thousands of students she nurtured over her 35-year career, the families she comforted, and the kindness she gave freely to all.
Born on August 25, 1967, in Leominster, MA, Colleen grew up with a passion for learning and an even deeper calling to teach. A proud product of Catholic education, she attended St. Bernard’s and later earned her master’s degree from Boston College. Inspired by her aunt—a legendary educator in Leominster’s schools—Colleen followed in her footsteps. Together, their impact spanned over seven decades, shaping generations.
Her true calling was special education. She’d beam with uncontainable joy when a shy student found their voice or a struggling learner defied the odds. From AGT Golden Buzzer winners to Super Bowl champions, she carried their triumphs close. Yet her heart swelled most for the quiet victories no spotlight could capture. Though she never had children of her own, Colleen poured boundless love into her students. She shaped their lives with a mother’s care, fulfilling the devotion she’d once dreamed of giving a child of her own.
Beyond the classroom, she was a rock for her school community. When tragedy struck, Colleen arrived first, —a fire, a crisis, a family in need. She held hands in ambulances, offered strength in hospital rooms, and ensured that no child ever felt alone. Her hugs were legendary—fuel for the engine that drove her unwavering commitment to others, offering strength so no child felt alone. She understood kids like few could, grouping them as Littles (elementary), Middles (junior high), and Bigs (high school). For Littles, she was a warm guide; for Middles, a firm hand; for Bigs, an unshakable ally.
Her faith anchored her through modern education’s storms—pandemics, school shootings, staff shortages. She met each challenge with grace and ingenuity. during COVID, when isolation loomed, she rallied students around the school mascot, turning it into a symbol of hope.
After enduring years in a difficult marriage, Colleen’s spirit found renewal with her soulmate and true love. Their bond was pure and deep, a reminder that even the most giving hearts deserve to be cherished.
Colleen is survived by her devoted husband, Bob Romano; her mother, Brenda Gilhooly of Leominster, MA; her sister Megan and husband Chris “BIL” her cherished nieces Nicki, Angi, and Jess; her closest cousin Kelly; numerous cousins and in-laws; and countless students, colleagues, and friends whose lives she transformed. Her rescue dog, Luna—a former student’s therapy companion—remains a living testament to her care.
Services to honor her will be announced soon. A celebration of her unwavering dedication will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Karen’s Closet of Leominster—a charity supporting student resources—will carry her mission forward.
To know Colleen was to feel her warmth, to be taught by her was to find inspiration, to be loved by her was to be forever changed. She left us too soon, but her love lives on—in every student she lifted, every lesson she taught, and every heart she warmed. Her light shines still.
Born on August 25, 1967, in Leominster, MA, Colleen grew up with a passion for learning and an even deeper calling to teach. A proud product of Catholic education, she attended St. Bernard’s and later earned her master’s degree from Boston College. Inspired by her aunt—a legendary educator in Leominster’s schools—Colleen followed in her footsteps. Together, their impact spanned over seven decades, shaping generations.
Her true calling was special education. She’d beam with uncontainable joy when a shy student found their voice or a struggling learner defied the odds. From AGT Golden Buzzer winners to Super Bowl champions, she carried their triumphs close. Yet her heart swelled most for the quiet victories no spotlight could capture. Though she never had children of her own, Colleen poured boundless love into her students. She shaped their lives with a mother’s care, fulfilling the devotion she’d once dreamed of giving a child of her own.
Beyond the classroom, she was a rock for her school community. When tragedy struck, Colleen arrived first, —a fire, a crisis, a family in need. She held hands in ambulances, offered strength in hospital rooms, and ensured that no child ever felt alone. Her hugs were legendary—fuel for the engine that drove her unwavering commitment to others, offering strength so no child felt alone. She understood kids like few could, grouping them as Littles (elementary), Middles (junior high), and Bigs (high school). For Littles, she was a warm guide; for Middles, a firm hand; for Bigs, an unshakable ally.
Her faith anchored her through modern education’s storms—pandemics, school shootings, staff shortages. She met each challenge with grace and ingenuity. during COVID, when isolation loomed, she rallied students around the school mascot, turning it into a symbol of hope.
After enduring years in a difficult marriage, Colleen’s spirit found renewal with her soulmate and true love. Their bond was pure and deep, a reminder that even the most giving hearts deserve to be cherished.
Colleen is survived by her devoted husband, Bob Romano; her mother, Brenda Gilhooly of Leominster, MA; her sister Megan and husband Chris “BIL” her cherished nieces Nicki, Angi, and Jess; her closest cousin Kelly; numerous cousins and in-laws; and countless students, colleagues, and friends whose lives she transformed. Her rescue dog, Luna—a former student’s therapy companion—remains a living testament to her care.
Services to honor her will be announced soon. A celebration of her unwavering dedication will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Karen’s Closet of Leominster—a charity supporting student resources—will carry her mission forward.
To know Colleen was to feel her warmth, to be taught by her was to find inspiration, to be loved by her was to be forever changed. She left us too soon, but her love lives on—in every student she lifted, every lesson she taught, and every heart she warmed. Her light shines still.
