Colleen Elizabeth Dailey

Colleen Elizabeth Dailey was born on March 15, 1961, in Nyack, NY, and passed from this world on March 5, 2025, in Houston, TX. Colleen was a 1979 graduate of Cypress Fairbanks High School, where she was a proud member of the Bobcat Marching Band. Colleen went on to attain an undergraduate degree from Sam Houston State University and taught elementary school in Houston for two decades. Colleen's fondness for her students, and joy in teaching science in particular, are highlights of her time in the classroom. She returned to Sam Houston for a master's degree, and Colleen became a diagnostician for the remainder of her career.
The 1990's were filled with amazing opportunities for Colleen in the world of sports. Colleen was passionate about swimming and excelled as a competitive swimmer. Through her involvement with the Dwarf Athletic Association of America (DAAA), Colleen ultimately represented DAAA on two U.S. Paralympic teams. Cheered on by her devoted parents, Colleen competed in the Paralympic Games in Barcelona, Spain in 1992 and in Atlanta, GA in 1996. As a Paralympian, Colleen also visited the White House and attended an International Olympic Committee meeting in the Republic of Malta.
Colleen was an active member of the Little People of America (LPA), a non-profit organization which provides support, resources and information to individuals with dwarfism and their families. Family and solo trips to many LPA national conventions and local meetings provided Colleen with meaningful social and medical connections, as well as deep friendships. A spinal condition later in life limited Colleen's mobility, but she remained deeply connected to family, friends and neighbors until her death.
Colleen is predeceased by her loving parents, Dot and Ed Dailey. She is survived by her sister, Linda Padon, and her brother, Dr. Michael Dailey, his wife, Jessica, and their two children, Skylar and John.
Her family is very appreciative of the loving support of those who allowed Colleen to live exactly as she wanted, independently. We are deeply grateful to her dear friends and neighbors, Glenda, Jan, Janet, Stacey and Deb and her long serving supporters, Dennis and Bubba.
Should you wish to make a donation in Colleen's memory, please consider the Little People of America or the Alzheimer's Association.
A visitation and service for Colleen will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Klein Funeral Home-Champions, 16131 Champion Forest Drive, Spring, TX.