She was a graduate of Bard College and taught dance as well as movement re-patterning for decades at a number of colleges and schools throughout the country including Columbia University, Connecticut College and Washington and Lee University. She was a karate enthusiast, holding a third degree black belt in American Freestyle Karate, and a passionate mentor and teacher, sharing her knowledge of self-defense.

Collette was also the founder of The Care Box Project, which channeled her profound love of country by supporting our locally deployed military as well as our local veterans.

Collette was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Michael; her two children, William Barry-Rec and Crystal Irby; and her granddaughter, Reese Irby.

A memorial service will be held at Lexington Baptist Church, 75 Old Farm Road, on Friday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the local VFW, 105 Memorial Lane, Lexington, VA 24450.