Judith Beatrice Collier

October 4, 1942 – February 5, 2026

Judith Beatrice Collier, a beacon of matriarchal grace and unwavering devotion peacefully transitioned on February 5, 2026, in Fort Wayne, IN, at the age of 83. She departed this world enveloped in the profound love of her four children and the extensive legacy of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Judith’s formative years were a mixture of experiences between Fort Wayne and Los Angeles. A scholarly seeker of knowledge, she graduated from Central Catholic High School and further refined her intellect through writing and English studies at Indiana Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Judith’s life was a testament to altruism. During her children’s youth, she served as the Treasurer for La Leche League, championing maternal advocacy. As a Girl Scout Leader she was a dedicated sculptor of future female leaders, and her spirit found harmony as a choir member at St. Jude’s Catholic Church. While her primary vocation was the nurturing of her home and family, she also pioneered a mental health recovery group in the late 1980’s, providing a sanctuary for those in need of healing. An avid lover of reading, she was renowned for her discerning literary choices and her commitment to immersing herself in the Word of God to deepen her Catholic faith.

To know Judy was to be loved by the fiery redhead. She was riotously funny and pathologically generous. She had “a laugh that crashed through rooms.” Her wit and generosity are her hallmarks of her time on this earth. She loved savagely and shared that love with others. Generously taking care of a fellow churchgoer with diabetes for years. She sent whatever she could spare to Salesian Missions, and the literature clogged the mailbox and was a main source of reading material in the house. No amount of time with the astonishing Judy would be enough for her family, she babysat and helped raise grandchildren, doled out gracious gifts at Christmas that she saved all year for, and provided enough coupons and toothbrushes for the entire family, including the annual zoo pass for all.

Judy is survived by her four beloved children, Theresa Lazoff (George), Stephanie Collier Maggos, Michael Collier, Andrea Gregory (Troy), and her cherished sister Diane Theriot, whom she held most dear as the final remaining sibling of their original family circle. Her memory will be forever honored by her grandchildren, Nicholas Lazoff (Sarah), Christian Maggos, Alexia Miles (Earl), Danielle Lazoff, Broden Gregory and Ian Gregory. Her legacy continues through her great grandchildren Camilla, Macy and Brock.

She is now reunited in eternity with her devoted husband of 61 years, Robert Collier, her grandson Chase Collier, her parents Albert and Mildred DeMeerleer, her brother Thomas and her sisters, Joann and Pat.

No service is scheduled. The family will have a private family Celebration of Life this summer.

Arrangements entrusted to D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home 1140 Lake Ave. Fort Wayne, IN.