Mary Collier

Mary Collier, 94, passed February 23, 2014 in Taos, New Mexico. Born Mary Elizabeth Trumbull in 1919, raised in Schenectady, NY., Mary learned photography from her brother and earned a scholarship to Vassar College, then worked for the Consumer Coop in Greenbelt, MD. There she met John Collier Jr. of Taos, NM, a government photographer working out of Washington, D.C. They married in 1943. They worked as photographers in Latin America during 1945 and 1946, returning in 1947 to Talpa, NM. Mary soon made friends with neighbors and later helped found the Talpa Domestic Water Users Association. With Talpa as home, they worked on photo jobs in Canada, Peru, and the Southwest. They moved to California in 1959 for employment but lived part of each year, usually summers, in Talpa. In California, Mary obtained an MA, taught college, and did studies in ethno botany while also becoming involved in politics and other community activities. Mary returned permanently to Taos in 2013. A loved mother, grandmother, friend and mentor to many, Mary is survived by her four sons: Malcolm (Irene), Robin, Vian, & Aran; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A ceremony for internment of her ashes will be held 11 AM, March 29 at the Talpa Cemetery, followed by a memorial gathering and lunch at the Talpa Community Center.

The family thanks The Redwoods in Mill Valley, CA and Taos Living Center for their care of Mary, with special thanks to the staff of Holy Cross Hospital for their care and assistance during her last days. Thanks also to Tim Rivera for his assistance.