Obituary of Colleen D. Velten

Colleen D. Velten, 65, of Freeville, NY, went to be with the Lord, September 30, 2025. Colleen was born on March 30, 1960, in Cortland, NY, and a daughter of the late Gordon and Janette Gilbert. Colleen married her high school sweetheart, Eugene Velten in 1979. She then went on to be a Registered Nurse working at several local nursing homes in Cortland and Tompkins County before retiring from Kendal at Ithaca. In addition to nursing, Colleen was also the co-owner of Bay Horse Innovations of New York, which she ran with her husband Eugene. Colleen was an avid horse lover and spent her free time boarding and training horses, as well as taking care of her other pets. Colleen is survived by her loving husband since 1979, Eugene; one brother: Gordon Gilbert, three nieces, many cousins in New York, New Jersey and Scotland and one special canine companion, Billy. Graveside service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM in Cortland Rural Cemetery, 110 Tompkins St., Cortland, NY. Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the family with arrangements. To offer condolences online, visit www.wright-beard.com. Please donate to the Cortland or Tompkins County SPCA in lieu of flowers.