Barbara COLLINSON

Barbara T. Collinson Sept. 16, 1929 ~ May 13, 2010 Resident of Walnut Creek Barbara Helen Thomas Collinson was born in Oakland, California. She attended Piedmont High School and the University of California Berkeley and was an Alpha Xi Delta Sorority Sister. She married her beloved husband Barnes W. Collinson in 1953 and they moved their family to Walnut Creek in 1957 where they raised four children. Barbara, AKA Bobbie, battled Parkinson's Disease for many years. It took from her so much of who she was a seamstress and hand-crafter, a chef and hostess, a calligrapher and bridge player. She was the ultimate historian, for family, friends, and the Piedmont High Class of 1947. The illness, however, never stole her true essence. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and loyal lifetime friend until the end. She died in the "Piedmont Room" of her home that meant so very much to her for over fifty years, surrounded by her loving family. She lived eighty years exemplifying true friendship and joy. She was proud to welcome everyone into her home and family. Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Barney; and their children and grandchildren: Tom, Barbara, and Ben Collinson of Santa Barbara; Kacy, Whitney, Makenzie, and Kameron Lynd of Santa Barbara; Cindy Collinson and David Giacoma of Clayton; Kate Cotruvo of San Francisco; Kristina and Blair Ruller, Christopher Ruller, Amy Tigri, Perry Ruller, Gina Tigri, and Hank Tigri of Placerville. She was blessed with many dear friends from childhood through the end of her life. Many cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive her. We will honor her by living her legacy of love, laughter, family. She knew she was loved for who she was. Friends and family will celebrate her life privately. Donations in her memory may be made to: Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland Foundation, Attention: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.