Obituary of Colleen Murray Stuart

Colleen Murray Stuart, 77, of Rockledge died peacefully Wednesday morning after a long illness. Collen was born on October 8, 1945 to Edward Murray and Margaret Parker Murray in Wheeling, W.VA. She studied at West Liberty University, where she was active in the theater, before marrying Robert Stuart in 1965. They and their son Tom lived in Ringwood, New Jersey for many years. Divorcing in 1978, she was married in 1980 to Walter Tomasulo, who predeceased her by 19 months.

In 1988, she and Walter moved to Rockledge, where they bought a home and relocated their business, Technicorp. Colleen thrived in the world of business, enjoying frequent sales trips and managing all financial aspects of the corporation. At Technicorp, Colleen studied metallurgy and served for 30 years in the American Society for Testing and Materials, attending seminars and publishing papers in what was at the time a male-dominated organization.

In her fifties, she began a new chapter in her life with the opening of the Space Coast Iceplex. She quickly became a regular and beloved figure on the rink, taking private lessons, volunteering her time, and becoming a mentor to younger skaters. She eventually became a certified US Figure Skating Judge, traveling around the county to judge competitions.

Her desire to protect the natural beauty of Rockledge led her into politics serving as Councilwoman from 2005- 2011. In this role she was regarded for her sense of equanimity and an impeccable civility and coutest to all. 

A lover of the arts, she was a prolific painted in her twenties and thirties, as well as a piano player, choral singer, and enthusiastic member of the local Susan Boyle Fan Club. Hobbies included birding, knitting, and astronomy.

She will be remembered for her entrepreneurial zeal, her strong sense of civic responsibility, her love of learning, her aprreciation of team sports, devotion to close friends, a determined spirit, and a sense of humor which saw her through the challenges of her life. 

She is survived by her son Tom Stuart and his partner Brian Weber of Weaverville, NC; her brother Ian Murray of Glen Allen, VA; and her nephews Bryan, Barton, and Mike Murray and her niece Kelly Murray.

Comments can be left with Ammen Funeral Home of Rockledge. A private memorial service will be held in the spring.