Colleen Anne Prater

Colleen Prater was born in Seattle Washington to Donald and Mary Anne Prater. She is preceded in death by her mother and is survived by her father and her only sibling Brian. Colleen was not just a person; she was a force of nature with a sense of mindfulness, immense love and clarity amidst life’s storms.

Colleen attended Nathan Hale High School and upon graduation worked at QFC grocery. But this was not enough for our Colleen. After a vacation to Puerto Vallarta Mexico, she fell in love with the area and moved there embracing it as her home. She taught aerobics, made many lifetime friends, all the while basking in the sun.

After a decade she returned to Seattle and experienced the sad death of her mother. To deal with this life change, she set out to travel the world. With only a backpack, she ventured solo across Europe and Asia. She spent time in numerous countries creating amazing experiences, making countless friends and leaving her glorious stamp on life. One of her greatest travel experiences was hiking to the basecamp of Mount Everest overlooking the world that was truly hers. Her adventures shaped her into someone who not only embraced life but also radiated warmth and compassion to everyone around her.

Upon her return, Colleen attended Cosmetology school, earning her license. Soon after, she moved on to a successful 20-year career with the Nordstrom Company. There she was a valued employee working as a buyer, which allowed her to travel once again. She excelled in sales earning many company awards including “Best in Sales Nationwide”.

Colleen was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s in January of 2021 robbing her of the vibrant essence that defined her. Despite this cruel twist of fate, Colleen faced this challenge with dignity and grace supported by the love of those who cherished her. She peacefully slipped away on that quiet evening with her brother by her side. As a gift to all who loved her, her final sunset appeared as a dragonfly spreading its wings across the sky - an emblem of transformation and freedom, symbolic of Colleen’s release from the grasp of a relentless disease.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find solace in knowing that Colleen is now liberated from the confines of her illness, free to roam once more in the vast expanse of the world she so adored. Her spirit, forever vibrant and unforgettable, lives on in the memories of those fortunate enough to have known and loved her. She will be desperately missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Old Dog Haven to represent Colleen’s love for animals would be appreciated.

https://olddoghaven.org/donate-now/