Colleen Griffin Desh

Colleen Louise (Griffin) Desh, 70, of Seal Beach, California, formerly of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Colleen will be dearly missed by her high school sweetheart and beloved husband of 44 years, George Roger Desh; her daughters, Dr. Heather Desh Edwards and her husband, Asher, and Courtney Desh Shaked and her husband, Roey; her cherished grandsons, Chase, Aaron, and Joel; and her siblings, Dr. Thomas Griffin, Daneen Pieper, and Dr. Meg Franzen.

To anyone who knew Colleen, her radiant smile could light up a room. It was especially fitting that she spent nearly 50 years in the dental profession, bringing comfort and compassion to countless patients as a dental hygienist. After graduating from St. Francis Academy in 1973, she earned her dental assisting degree and later her dental hygiene degree from Northampton Community College. She enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in Bethlehem before moving to California in 2017, where she continued working part-time.

Above all else, Colleen was a devoted wife, loving mother, and extraordinary grandmother. Her family was always her greatest joy and highest priority. During the last 14 years of her life, she selflessly cared for her husband and later moved across the country so she could help care for her daughters' growing families. Affectionately known as "Memmy," she treasured every moment with her grandsons. Even during her own hard times, she found the strength to attend their activities, celebrate their milestones, and shower them with unconditional love. Her children-and especially her grandsons-were the center of her world. The love, kindness, and unwavering support she gave so freely will be remembered always, and her absence leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who loved her.

Colleen was the daughter of the late Dr. Daniel Griffin and Margaret Griffin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant son, Brett Desh.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne's Church, 450 E. Washington Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18017. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Nisky Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Vanguard Cancer Foundation https://www.vanguardcancerfoundation.org/ Online condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.