Colette Louise Taylor

Born April 18, 1957, to Daryl and Louise Coberly, Colette enjoyed growing up in the Phinney Ridge area of Seattle, WA. Colleen, her sister, was born six years later. She graduated from Lincoln High in 1975 and began a series of jobs that were primarily associated with the automobile industry focusing on payroll administration. Colette developed many lifelong friendships in the business. After many years working in the North End of Seattle (including stints at Harris Ford, Ford of Kirkland and Harbor Point Lincoln Mercury) Colette finished out her accounting career with her close friend Charlie Morgan, owner of Charles Morgan and Associates, Architects.

In 1978 she married Greg Taylor, and in 1981 her only child Jason was born. Although Colette and Greg divorced in 1991, they remained friends. The next few years were a blur of balancing home and work responsibilities. Colette’s lifelong love of the water brought about many camping trips to Ocean Shores with her family, boating on the Fairliner motor yacht with her mom and uncle, John Condon.

Colette loved to go bowling. Actually, she really just loved the social component of bowling! It was at Robinhood Lanes where she met Tracy Robbins’ sister, Kelly. In 1992, both Colette and Tracy, having recently separated from their spouses, were invited to Kelly and her spouse Jim’s house for Christmas dinner. The relationship wounds were too fresh, and they drifted apart.

Eight years passed and Tracy decided that he was going to find Colette again. He first tried Harris Ford, but the sales guys said she hadn’t worked there for a few years. He searched Robinhood Lanes, but to no avail. Feeling sad, he went across the street to Angie’s, an Italian restaurant, and over a beer told his story to Helen the bartender. She pointed to a table of rowdy bowlers and said, “that’s Colette right there.” I have asked many people what they remember about Colette, and most say it was her laugh. She would laugh often, and it was always genuine.

Years of travel and adventure together followed, including clam digging at Copalis Beach. Colette with her manicured nails carried the lantern of course. Other trips included Glacier, the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Yellowstone, Big Sur, Monterey, and annual trips to Bandon Dunes and Suncadia to golf.

The holiday feasts were Colette’s shining moment. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve dinner brought out the cook and hostess in her. Noted for her always delicious, scalloped potatoes and garlic bread, we would gather our blended families together to celebrate.

Colette had significant health issues over the last several years. Her family rallied around her, and her team at Swedish Cherry Hill, made a valiant attempt to sustain her health as long as they possible could. After a good life of 65 years she passed on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2023. Colette wanted to thank the many doctors, nurses and care givers that provided such good care and compassion over the last few years.

Colette is survived by her son Jason Taylor and grandsons Shaun and Kellan. The blended family of Tracy Robbins, her partner of 23 years, and Colette was very important to her including Aaron and Kieran (McCormick) Robbins and their daughters Lily, Isla, Rosie, and Cora as well as Connor and Jody (Robbins) Dolan.

During her recent long hospital stay she was sustained by the precious get-well paintings and photos of her “granddaughters”. She would point to them and exclaim “this is what keeps me fighting”. She was deeply loved by many.

At her request there will be a celebration of Colette’s life on April 21, 2023, at Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 14951 Bothell Way NE in Seattle, WA. 98155 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM. Inurnment will be private.

If interested donations can be made to Swedish Foundation Heart and Vascular Institute.