Colleen R. Flattery

Colleen R. Flattery, 49, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, formerly of Garner, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 19, 2025, in Saint Petersburg, FL.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 7, 2025, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Colleen Renee Flattery was born on February 17, 1976, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the daughter of John and Jean Flattery. When she was 16 months old, her family moved to Garner. There, she attended Garner-Hayfield School and graduated in 1994. She then attended the University of Iowa and earned her degree in 1998. After graduation, she moved to Clearwater, Florida, where she found a front desk job at the Don CeSar Hotel — she lovingly called it her “Big Pink Castle.” She later moved a short distance away to St. Petersburg, Florida, with her brother Steve. Colleen worked her way up the hotel administration ladder until she landed a job as a Regional Manager. That role took her to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she continued to work hard and eventually became a Regional Director for Wyndham Hotels. She was living and working there until the present. Colleen had so many wonderful friends, both in Fort Lauderdale and St. Petersburg. Whether it was checking out the newest restaurant or pub, attending a glamorous gala, enjoying her annual cruise on the Rock Boat, taking a simple morning walk, or her favorite — Sunday brunch — she loved spending time with each and every one of them. She cherished her friendships, and each of her friends speaks of her beautiful smile, quick wit, and unending love of life. She loved the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but would root for the Miami Dolphins if the Bucs weren’t playing. She also cheered for the Florida Panthers hockey team, the Tampa Bay Rays, and — most of all — her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. Colleen enjoyed painting, trying (and frequently improving) the newest recipes, going to the movies, and being the hostess. She loved having her family visit from Iowa so she could show them the best beaches and restaurants. On her visits home, she loved getting in a round of golf, playing “500” with whoever was available, and enjoying a competitive game of “Sorry” with the family.

Colleen is survived by her parents, John and Jean of Westside, IA; her brothers, Paul Flattery of Ames and Steve Flattery (Brittany) of Saint Petersburg, FL; her sisters, Karla and Megan of Westside, IA; and many relatives and friends, including her nieces and nephew: Brady (Briar), Callie Wernau (Leo), and Ashley. She is also survived by her great-niece, Hope.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents and great-grandparents, as well as her uncles: Tom Flattery, John Mescher, and Bill Byrne.

Her death, though tragic and heartbreaking, provided life-saving opportunities for numerous people because of her selfless love and kindness. Colleen donated her organs through LifeLink of Florida.