91猎奇

Obituaries

Recent Obituaries
In Memoriam Archive

Actress and Humanist

Constance Sayre Collier 鈥�45

November 30, 2023, in Bellingham, Washington.

Constance was born in Denver, Colorado, into a pioneer mining family. She met her husband, Rox, while attending Reed, just before the United States entered the Second World War; they courted by mail while Rox was training to be a Navy pilot.

After the war, Constance raised five children while Rox earned a PhD in economics. She filled the role of hostess and faculty wife, supporting Rox as dean of business, first in Logan, Utah, at Utah State University, and then in Bellingham, Washington, at Western Washington State University.

Constance was actively involved in community theatre, starring in several roles in Bellingham, including Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit, Mother Superior in Agnes of God, and multiple roles in Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. She was also a talented singer. While living in Utah she worked with Austin Fife, noted Mormon ethnographer, singing to illustrate his lectures on Mormon folk songs.

Constance was a humanist and loved being surrounded by interesting people. As a member of P.E.O., a philanthropic organization focused on education for women, she was a strong supporter of women’s rights and educational opportunities. She also played a wicked hand of bridge.

Constance is survived by five of her children, Catherine, Charles, Maurice, Hal, and Matthew. She was predeceased by her husband, Rox, and her son Daniel.

Appeared in Reed magazine: Summer 2024