Obituary: Colleen Elizabeth Courtovich (Rochester, NH)
It is with deep sorrow that the community of Rochester, New Hampshire mourns the passing of Colleen Elizabeth Courtovich Joy, who died on November 15, 2025, at the age of 33. Her unexpected loss has left a profound ache in the hearts of family, friends, and colleagues across her hometown.
Born on December 26, 1991, Colleen grew up in New Hampshire’s Seacoast region and graduated from Exeter High School in 2010. Those who knew her recall a radiant spirit — generous, warm, and always ready with a laugh or a listening ear. Her deep capacity for connection made her a beloved friend and confidante; she forged bonds that went beyond casual friendship.
Professionally, Colleen was known for her caring and reliable nature. Her career path included work as a hairstylist — at Ulta Beauty in Epping and at Sport Clips in North Hampton — demonstrating creativity and a service-oriented heart. At her most recent role, she served as Operations Manager at The CCS Companies in Portsmouth, carrying out her duties with professionalism and goodwill.
Beyond her career, Colleen’s life was shaped by quiet compassion. She found joy in caring for her four-legged companions, and cherished moments by the water — including peaceful afternoons in her pool, which became a refuge from the physical pain she sometimes carried. She created safe, joyful spaces for those she loved: “the getting ready room” stands out as a symbol of her warmth, a place filled with laughter, shared dreams, and genuine care.
Friends remember Colleen as more than just a friend — she was family. She held space for others through honesty, vulnerability, and unwavering support. Her energy was dependable, and her spirit uplifting, leaving behind a legacy of loyalty and emotional depth.
Her passing has stirred grief throughout Rochester. The community mourns the loss of someone who embodied kindness and empathy in every interaction. Colleen’s generous heart and genuine presence made ordinary moments feel extraordinary; she elevated the lives of those around her simply by being herself.
Colleen is survived by her loving family, devoted friends, and all who were fortunate to call her a confidante. Though she is no longer here in body, her memory lives on through the compassion she showed and the love she shared. Her spirit will continue to be honored in the stories, laughter, and quiet moments she inspired.
In this season of grief, Rochester stands united. Its people gather in remembrance, offering comfort, sharing stories, and celebrating the life of a young woman who embodied warmth, courage, and profound humanity. Colleen Elizabeth Courtovich Joy will be dearly missed — her legacy woven into the fabric of her community.
May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.