Angela Collaco

Angela Christine Hodge Collaco - proud, selfless mother of Michael, Benita (Bankson), Christine, Judy (Tyson), Jamie, Cindy and wife of Geraldo Collaco (deceased), passed away peacefully in her home on July 22, 2022. She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren - Jonathan, Ashley (Williams), Christopher, Danielle (Bankson), Philip (Tyson), Sara (McNevin), Angie (McNevin), Pierce (Tyson), Zachary (Tyson), and her great grandchildren - Delta (Williams), Maximiliano, Juliana, and Kehlani (Williams).

'Mom', 'Grandma', 'Auntie Angie', 'Angie' as her friends and family called her, lived a very full life. She was born in Shanghai, China on November 8, 1932, grew up in China during the war torn years, came to the United States in 1957, became a proud American citizen on June 12, 1962 and raised her 6 children in the same home she lived in until the day she died.

Mom was always resourceful - walking or taking the SamTrans bus anywhere she needed to be, and in the early years, could be spotted pushing 3 young children in a double stroller through many parts of San Mateo. She always made sure her children had what they needed - a Catholic education (most important), food, clothes - and was 'penny wise' tracking every dollar she spent using pencil, paper and a check register. She was never in debt. When life threw its curveballs, she never wavered - going back to school and starting a career after her husband (our father) became disabled. Mom was widowed in 1980. She worked for San Mateo County until the age of 67. She was determined and successful in providing her family a better life.

Mom spoke a few words in other languages (French, Russian, Portuguese and Chinese) - learning French at a convent (boarding school) with the "mean nuns" and other languages to communicate with her friends. She was very thoughtful and caring - a dear friend and adored by many. Mom loved sugar and sweets (her last bite was ice cream), the San Francisco Giants, ice hockey (San Jose Sharks and Northern California Women's Hockey League), playing cards (stealing casino), walking (never learned to drive, ride a bike or swim), and later in life traveling. Most of all, she loved being with her children and their families - listening to music by Dean Martin, Doris Day, Perry Como, Frank Sinatra and Patti Page (to name a few) and watching old
movies. Even in her youth, she would go to the movies - feeling guilty at times for spending the little money they had. She looked forward to Oscar night - one of her favorite nights of the year. She would often say, "They don't make good movies like they used to."

In 2014, Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer. She then spent a few years living with her daughter's (Christine's) family and traveling. In August 2019, she was hospitalized with a left hip fracture following a fall. She suffered a myocardial infarction which complicated the surgery. She then returned home, living with her youngest daughter's (Cindy's) family. Mom survived the pandemic, but in October 2021 she was hospitalized with an infection. She came home under hospice, primarily being cared for by both her daughters (Christine and Cindy). On July 22, 2022, Mom passed away peacefully.

Mom taught all of us and those she encountered what it means to be strong, kind, courageous, calm, hard working and funny. She was a dedicated woman of faith, driven by the love of her family. She faced many challenges, overcame many of life's obstacles, protected her family throughout, a respected quiet fighter up until her very last breath. Her actions represented her words.

Mom, we are forever grateful for the life you gave us and the moments we shared with you. We miss you - oh so much. We believe that one day we will see you again - and when we do, we'll hear you say "Good to see you." We love you, Mom.

A prayer service will be held at her final resting place at Cypress Lawn Columbarium in Colma, CA on August 10th at 11:00am. There will be no reception after.

A Celebration of Life reception will be held at a later date.