WATERVLIET — Barbara Collett, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, surrounded by her family.

A long-time resident of Watervliet, she was the wife of the late James E. Collett Jr. and the daughter of the late Francis and Mary Bracken Sheehy.

“It is with profound sadness that the Collett Family, owners of Fredendall Funeral Home, announce the passing of our mother and grandmother,” her family wrote in a tribute. 

“Born in Troy and raised on Mill Street in South Troy, Barbara was the second of eight children,” her family wrote. “A retiree of the City of Watervliet, Barb served as a matron for many years prior to her retirement.

“Barb spent her later years enjoying golf in the Watervliet Arsenal Pitch and Putt League and made many friends along the way. An active member of the Lansingburgh Veterans Post, Barb participated in their many events.

“Above all, Barb will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. Barb was always the life of the party and enjoyed singing along to her many favorite songs, especially Patsy Cline, at all of the family gatherings.”

****

Barbara Collett is survived by her children, James E. (Sherry) Collett III, Holly A. Collett, Barbara A. (James) Roff, and Jeffery M. (Mary) Collett; her grandchildren, James (Miryana) Collett IV, Steven (Samantha) Collett, Aubrey (Donald Gormanly) Roff, Katie (Charles) Mahar, Daniel Collett, Grace (Jon Fish) Collett, and Meagan (Scott Holub) Collett; and seven great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings, Anne (Bob) Fredette and Bryan (the late Laurel) Sheehy and a host of nieces and nephews.

Her parents, Francis and Mary Bracken Sheehy, and husband, James E. Collett Jr., died before her, as did her siblings Patricia (the late Tom) Doran, Robert (the late Mary) Sheehy, Maryann (the late Ray) Littlejohn, Leilani (the late Donn) Liebener, and her infant sister Colleen Sheehy.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Watervliet on Monday morning, October 27, with interment following in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Troy in the Collett family plot.

“Thank you to Dr. Michael Wolff for his wonderful care,” her family wrote.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bright Horizons, 6 Winners Circle, Albany, New York 12205.