Lee Ann Collomore

Lee Ann Collomore September 27, 1927 - December 3, 2014 Lee Ann Collomore, 87, of St. Augustine, passed peacefully on to the Lord on December 3, 2014, surrounded by family and friends. Through her words, actions and continuous optimism, Lee Ann exemplified the values she lived by: faith, hope, persistence, joyfulness, and creativity. Of all the gifts she shared, it is her love - love for family, friends, all living creatures, for the arts and for life, - that will forever shine brightly. The youngest of four siblings, Lee Ann was born on September 27, 1927, in New Britain, CT to Frank and Catherine Peronace Retano. Often recounting happy memories, Lee Ann would weave stories describing a childhood filled with roller skating parties, large family gatherings and laughter. Shortly after graduating from New Britain High School, Lee Ann began cultivating her strong, life-long work ethic. While exploring a variety of professions, she seemed most akin to those working with people. Joining the Bell Telephone Company, she enjoyed both providing customer care as well as exploring the latest technology of the time. Then, in 1956, Lee Ann married her "forever sweetheart," Robert Collomore, and settled in Norwich, CT where the couple raised their children, Kathryn and William. A devoted homemaker and nurturing mother, Lee Ann took delight in creating a warm, loving home filled with books and music, holiday decorations and fun activities. In the 1970s, Lee Ann returned to the professional world, joining the staff of the Norwich Bulletin, where she worked for many years as secretary to the publisher. In time, she moved into the world of advertising sales, serving as an account executive at both the Norwich Bulletin and The Day. Five years after the passing of her husband in 1986, Lee Ann moved to Florida, choosing to live in St. Augustine, the beautiful city both she and Robert had loved best when they visited the state years before. While enjoying semi-retirement, Lee Ann welcomed staying active while serving others and joined the Flagler Hospital team at the switchboard where she worked for many years. Lee Ann was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in St. Augustine. Lee Ann will always be remembered for her sparkling eyes, genuine smile, caring spirit and laughter. She will be greatly missed by her children, Kathryn Collomore of Connecticut and William Collomore of Florida, many nephews and nieces and a large circle of close friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Lee Ann was predeceased by two sisters, Susan Salem and J. Louise Retano and one brother, Salvatore Retano. The family would like to extend a special thank you to her "family" at the Moultrie Creek Rehabilitation and Nursing facility and to Hospice. A memorial mass will be held 9:00 a.m. Tuesday December 16, 2014 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests donations be made either to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, New York 10018 or animal charity of choice, or an act of kindness be performed in Lee Ann's memory. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.