|
In Memoriam
Mimi Peterson Collier
January 10, 1945 - May 25, 2022
.jpg)
Margaret (Mimi) Elise Collier, born 1945, née Peterson recently passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She beat the odds of this deadly disease longer than most. Mimi is survived by her husband Curtis A. Collier and sons Eric, Louis, and Jacques Lehot, and grandchildren Adam, Ella, Tristan, and Elias Lehot.
Mimi was a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, having grown up in Berkeley and Piedmont. Learning, speaking, and eventually teaching French and Spanish were integral to her life, leading to her numerous travels throughout Europe, Mexico, South America, and elsewhere. Mimi spent twenty years as a French and Spanish high school and middle school teacher. After her retirement from teaching, Mimi had the time to make new friendships in her town of Lafayette. She was active in volunteer organizations. As a member of the Junior League of Oakland East Bay, she assisted members of senior organizations in protecting their legal property rights. She was also active in Junior league Sustainer groups, an investment club, and a book club. She also was involved in the Senior Activity Group of Saint Perpetua Catholic Church in Lafayette. She planned numerous field trips for the group, such as guided tours of the DeYoung and Disney museums in San Francisco. Mimi was an avid reader, especially during her struggles with cancer.
Mimi loved her home in Lafayette and spent hours in her beautiful backyard, taking care of her rose garden and exercising. She loved the company of her dogs and was an accomplished equestrian in her youth. Mimi was able to continue her enjoyment of the sport by watching her granddaughter, Ella. We will all miss Mimi.
|
Alan Ross
Dating from my arrival at Havens EMS in the 6th grade I took note of Mimi Peterso and his gentle and kindly way with those around her and her dignified , composed way of going about things. I conversed with Mimi at the 50 th reunion and was glad to see she had struck gold the second time around in marriage and was greatly happy with her second husband. I felt keenly Mimi deserved her good fortune and I am so sorry she faced such a formidable battle during her final years. I am quite sure she faced this battle with all the dignity and resolve that characterized a life most well lived.
Harriet Akesson (Vanderbilt)
Mimi was probably one of my best friends in high school. In fact, we were already playmates in grammar school. I remember riding my bike or my skateboard to her house. Her home, her family, her dog, all spoke to the genuine loving, caring personality Mimi had.
As an adult, Mel and I visited Mimi and Curt at their lovely home. We sipped champagne out of a bottle that Curt used a sabor to open! I was amazed! Her rose garden was incredible, much larger than mine. All that warm California sun does help.
My prayer is that her family memoralize Mimi living a life of love, generosity, and caring. This is the way Mimi lived and I will miss her terribly.