Colleen Cahill

Colleen Cahill, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024. Born on May 16, 1961, in Highland Park, Illinois, Colleen was the eldest of seven siblings, which meant she spent much of her early years testing the patience of her parents and setting the bar high (sometimes questionably so) for her younger brother and sisters. Her family moved to Spring, Texas, in 1974, where she attended Klein High School. She later studied at Texas Tech University where she honed her natural flair for cheering on the Red Raiders—which she continued with unmatched vocal enthusiasm throughout her life.

Known for her big heart, humor, and joyful spirit, Colleen brought laughter and warmth to everyone she met. Her fierce competitive streak led her to excel in gymnastics, swimming, and diving, but anyone who ever played board games with her knew she didn’t believe in “friendly competition.” As a dedicated coach, she taught competitive swimming for many years, proudly watching some of her students go on to compete in the Olympics, which meant she had bragging rights whenever the games came on. Colleen stayed up all night watching Olympic swimming, cheering each stroke like she was right on the sidelines.

Colleen had a big love for animals, and growing up, her horses Mount Everest (a towering Tennessee Walker) and Prince Neely (a determined Shetland pony) were as much a part of the family as her siblings. Every summer, she looked forward to horseback riding in Green Lake, Wisconsin. But her heart truly belonged to her six-fingered cat, Princess, a regal companion who, much like the characters in The Princess Bride, had a personality that was larger than life.

Family gatherings were Colleen’s specialty. She loved hosting anything from casual get-togethers with highly competitive board games (where winning mattered) to elegant dinners, pulling out every piece of china and wielding her cotillion skills. Known for storytelling, Colleen could captivate anyone willing to listen, regaling them with tales from her full life. She also never met a craft she didn’t like—though she rarely met one she finished either. Colleen cherished every opportunity to experience the world but also found joy in small moments, and loved her friends and family deeply. Her warmth, humor, and zest for life will be remembered by all who knew her.

Colleen is survived by her husband and love of her life, Chris Saenz; her son DJ Mundy and his wife Cathleen Berdan; her son Cham Mundy; her daughter Shaleigh Hood; and her grandson Tanner Hood. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Jessica Saenz and Cassandra Coronado, brother-in-law Mark Saenz, mother and father-in-law Rosie Saenz and Joe Ramirez, and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends in Agua Dulce including Haley, Elianna and Liam Trevino; Leah Saenz; Nemo Jacobo; Leila Lopez; Dominic, Aaliyah, and Alexis Huerta; Maricela Villarreal; Isabel Griffin; Ashley Rosas; Carlos Lopez; and Tiger Moreno. 

Colleen leaves behind her six siblings and their spouses: Amy and Rex Ward, Molly Fulks, Jenny and Jeff Snyder, Beth and John Malak, Stacy and John Cahill, and Heather Cahill, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces and cousins from the Jardines, Gallaghers, and Peterson families. She also leaves behind a circle of dear friends from Illinois to Texas and everywhere in between who will remember her warmth and friendship always. Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Jack Cahill.

The family extends special thanks to the countless caregivers, especially Keke Johnson, for the compassionate support they provided. 
The family invites everyone to celebrate Colleen’s extraordinary life with laughter, stories, and love. In keeping with her joyful spirit, Colleen requested that guests come as they are, wear bright colors to the visitation and service—no sad black. Let’s honor her in a way that reflects the light and joy she brought to all of us.

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