In loving memory of

Lisa Michelle
Collier

September 18, 1974  —  November 17, 2025

Lisa is remembered for her laugh, her generosity, her love for family and animals, and how often she put other people before herself.

Remember Lisa ↓Share a Memory
Her story

A life full of personality.

Lisa Michelle Collier was born in Leesburg, Virginia, to Quentin Collier Jr. and Deborah Collier. She grew up in Northern Virginia and graduated from South Lakes High School in Reston.

Lisa could talk to just about anyone. She had a quick sense of humor, remembered little things people told her, and liked making people feel included. She loved traveling, warm weather, beaches, comedy shows, music, seafood, Hello Kitty, and animals of every kind.

She worked in the dental field and brought the same personality to work that she brought everywhere else. She was funny, dependable, generous, and willing to help. Those who knew her also knew how much she cared about her family, her friends, and the animals that shared her home.

Family & friends

Loved, helped, and never alone.

Lisa is survived by her parents, Quentin Collier Jr. and Deborah Collier, and her brother, Quentin Collier III.

She was very grateful for the people who stood by her, especially during the years when her health made everyday life harder. Friends and family helped with appointments, rides, recovery, errands, meals, animals, and the thousand practical things that come with a long illness. Lisa knew how much that help meant, and she appreciated the love behind it.

A curious mind

A strong student with a real interest in science.

Lisa was a strong student and proud of her education. After graduating from South Lakes High School in Reston, Virginia, she attended The Catholic University of America, where she graduated as valedictorian.

Her interest in science started early. While at South Lakes, Lisa participated in the U.S. Geological Survey’s Volunteers in Science program and contributed to geological research. She followed NASA closely and remained interested in space, geology, and science throughout her life.

South Lakes High SchoolReston, Virginia · An important part of her early academic life.
U.S. Geological SurveyVolunteers in Science · Took part in real geological research.
The Catholic University of AmericaGraduated valedictorian · A major academic accomplishment.
NASA & SpaceShe followed NASA and had a lasting interest in space and exploration.

“Loved then. Loved now. Remembered always.”Lisa Michelle Collier · 1974–2025

A decade of courage

She kept living.

For nearly ten years, Lisa lived with kidney failure. Dialysis, surgeries, hospital stays, and recovery became part of her routine. It was exhausting, but she kept making plans and kept caring about the people and animals around her.

One of Lisa’s later treatment photos — still smiling through years of dialysis, procedures, and recovery.
Lisa’s final photograph, taken three days before she passed, with author Hannah Taylor. Lisa attended the signing with her mom.

Through years of dialysis and many surgeries, Lisa kept going. Even on bad days, she worried about other people, cared for her animals, made plans, and tried to do as much for herself as she could.

She still traveled when she could, went to shows, enjoyed good food, cared for her animals, and spent time with the people she loved. After nearly a decade of treatment, complications from kidney failure caused her death on November 17, 2025.

Just three days before she passed, Lisa and her mom went to a book signing for one of Lisa’s favorite food authors, Hannah Taylor, and her book Measure with Your Heart. The last photograph taken of Lisa that day shows her with Hannah. She was still getting out, doing something she enjoyed, and spending the day with her mom.

A farewell at sea

Her final wish, carried out together.

On March 8, 2026, close friends and family gathered off the shore of Clearwater, Florida, for Lisa’s burial at sea.

Lisa’s biodegradable urn was placed with a handmade bouquet created by Lauren Chorly. The flowers made the farewell feel personal and unmistakably Lisa.

The group said goodbye together on the Gulf under a bright Florida sky. It was a peaceful day surrounded by the people who loved her, in the warm weather and blue water she always enjoyed.

March 8, 2026Clearwater, FloridaBurial at Sea

Lisa’s burial at sea · March 8, 2026 · Off the shore of Clearwater, Florida

The little things

Things Lisa loved

🌴
Tropical placesWarm weather, beaches, and ocean air.
🐾
AnimalsDogs, cats, chickens, ducks — all cared for deeply.
😂
LaughterComedy, quick wit, and making people smile.
🎀
Hello KittyPink bows, familiar characters, and something that always made her smile.
Lula

Still loved and doing well.

Lula was one of Lisa’s beloved dogs and an important part of her everyday life. Lula is still doing well and now lives with Lisa’s mom, Deborah.

This photo was taken on the way to a grooming appointment with Mom. It is a small update, but one Lisa would have cared about very much.

🐾 Lula · safe, loved, and with family
Photo memories

Photos from her life

A growing collection of Lisa across the years: school, family, birthdays, trips, nights out, pets, and everyday life.

Lisa
That smile
School days
Lisa & Mom
Together
Everyday moments
Birthday joy
Celebrate everything
A little joy
Always game for fun
Playful Lisa
A playful memory
Family time
An evening out
Lula
Resilience
Lisa with Hannah Taylor · Three days before
Together for Lisa · March 8, 2026
Memory wall

Share a memory of Lisa.

Stories, funny moments, photographs, and simple messages are welcome. Submissions are kept private for the family to review before anything is shared publicly.

“Lisa remembered the little things about people.”

That is one of the things her family and friends remember most.

Nothing is posted automatically. The family can review submissions first.

Always with us

Forever loved.
Forever remembered.

May every ocean breeze, shared laugh, and small act of kindness carry a little piece of Lisa forward.

Lisa Michelle Collier · 1974 — 2025