Katherine Coletta Hirsch

Katherine Coletta Rickert was born on January 10, 1935, to Walter and Margaret (Schartz) Rickert. Those who loved her always knew her as Colette. 

Colette was the second of seven children. She grew up in the small town of Ellinwood, Kansas. The Rickert's were a devoutly Catholic family and Colette had a loving heart. 

Upon graduating high school, Colette joined the Dominican Sisters. She was with the order for five years. During this time she attended college and taught at a Catholic elementary school. 

After she left the Dominicans, Colette subscribed to a magazine for Catholic singles. She placed an ad for a pen pal. One day she received a letter from Robert Hirsch. She took the letter to her friend's house and told her, "I'm going to marry this guy. I like how he thinks about things."

Robert and Colette exchanged letters for two years. Robert was a school teacher in Los Angeles. He came to Kansas for one week to meet Colette. After the visit, and in the ultimate attestation to his faith in the U.S. postal system, Robert mailed Colette a little teddy bear holding a ring and a note that read, "Will you marry me?" She wrote back, "Yes."  They were married on July 1, 1961, at her childhood church in Ellinwood. Their first kiss was, "You may kiss the bride." 

Robert and Colette made their home in Los Angeles. He continued to work as a school teacher and Colette became a housewife. They had three children; Joseph Alan, Steven Patrick, and Sandra Leonora. They also served as foster parents to many children in need. 

In 1978, the family moved to Mountain Grove, Missouri. Robert was the sole teacher at the small town's special needs school. The family van served as the school bus and Colette drove the students to and from school. 

The Hirsch's bought the local movie theatre. The theatre was open only on the weekends. Colette sold the tickets, Robert was the projectionist, and the kids ran the concession stand. 

In 1981, the family bought the Paradise Donut Shop. "For the best donuts on earth, go to Paradise." Robert and Colette made the donuts together at night. Then Robert went to teach school all day, while Colette ran the donut shop. After buying the donut shop, Colette worked nearly every day. The only days off were major holidays and snow storms. She never complained. She was always cheerful and kind to all who were lucky enough to know her. 

Colette spent the majority of her life living in areas where most of the people looked like her and were of a Christian faith. But, it simply never occurred to her to be unkind or distrusting of those who were different from her. Her default setting was to treat all with love and respect. Colette loved her family immensely. She beamed when she was with them. She loved to brag on her children and grandchildren to anyone who would listen. 

Colette loved gadgets and true crime. She was always on the lookout for another gadget she didn't need and reading Ann Rule books. She watched the OJ trial until the console TV gave out. This ushered the family into the era of having a TV that works sitting on top of a TV that doesn't work. 

In her 70's Colette worked in group homes for developmentally disabled adults. She was very annoyed when a small stroke forced her to retire just before qualifying for the bonus employees got after 10 years with the company.  In 2018, Robert and Colette began to experience declining health. They moved to Massachusetts to live with their daughter and her family. 

Colette attended the Active Life Adult Day Center in Fitchburg, Massachusetts for about five years. Getting up and going out everyday got to be too much for her, so she began to stay home full time.  Her final years were filled with Court TV, word searches, and family. Her innate politeness was extended to her Alexa. She always thanked Alexa for turning on a light or answering a question. 

Colette's health took a sudden downturn in February 2025. She was blessed to have her sons travel across the country to visit her before her passing. She was also blessed to pass peacefully at home, which is what she wanted. 

On her final day, March 1, 2025, Colette's youngest grandchild and namesake, Amelia Colette, had a dance showcase. Colette left this world 50 minutes before the start of the show. Surely this was so she could once again be the proud grandma and watch the show from heaven. She was undoubtedly calling all who passed before her to watch with her as her granddaughter danced. 

Colette is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Robert; their children Joe, Steve, and Sandey; daughters-in-law Carol Hirsch and Serena Carniato; son-in-law Paul Waweru; grandchildren Adam and Abbey Hirsch, Ronin and Nova Carniato-Hirsch, and Zola, Colton, and Amelia Waweru; a brother Lonnie Rickert; a sister Carol McGill; many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. 

Colette was predeceased by her parents Walter and Margaret Rickert; a sister Theda Damroth; brothers Michael, Ronnie, and Walter Terrance Rickert; a nephew Darrin Rickert; and several in-laws. Colette's life has ended, but her love lives on.

A calling hour will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 9:00-10:15 a.m. at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420

Her funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, 180 Mechanic Street, Leominster, MA, 01453

Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA, 01475