I just found out Heidi had passed. I was in total shock. Such a vibrant, loving human. She made work more fun than usual. So many will miss her. Love to her family.

Heartfelt condolences to George, Allie and Van. Heidi was a great woman. The first, last and main thing that comes to mind when I think of her is positive energy. She was a just a nice, nice person. I’m very sorry for your loss. May God grant you guys the strength you need to get thru these next few weeks and months, and comfort you. Ζωή σε σας.

Tom and I will always remember Heidi for her warmth, hospitality, thoughtfulness, and her dedication to The Belize Zoo. Heidi was a beautiful person who has left us too soon. Heartfelt condolences to all who loved her. 

My deepest sympathies to George and the Kollias family for the loss of Heidi.  I always enjoyed visiting her and seeing her in church.  I will remember her at the Prothesis when I prepare the gifts for Divine Liturgy. I will also offer a Trisagion in my parish for her.  May her memory be eternal.

Our first visit to the Ithaca-area was in August of 1993. While John had known George since childhood, this visit was our introduction to Heidi. Over the years, we would witness Heidi's many virtues: warmth, generosity, strength, love of animals and nature, and devotion to her children and husband.  Her passing leaves a big hole in the hearts of the people who loved her.

Heidi and my daughter Valerie, Heidi's goddaughter

The morning after the wedding party for Kristcha and Jamal (center). The Kolliases have been like family to me over the years, especially Heidi. She showed Kristcha the same warmth and affection from the first time they met in 2021.

At the inauguration celebration for The Belize Zoo's Veterinary Clinic. Dr. George, Heidi, and Allie contributed significantly to this milestone, and have been part of The Belize Zoo's extended family since 2012.

Heidi & Adrienne on Sanibel Island collecting shells & memories — with Heidi Kollias & Adrienne Zaharis

There really isn't just one memory that stands out in the years I have known Heidi. There are a flood of them. I met her in 1988 at the UF vet school when I started working there and was sent to Rodger Reep's lab to ask how to do something or get something to borrow. We quickly became best friends and it rapidly became much more than that. We became part of each other's family. We spent so much time together at work and outside of work, picking berries, making jams, gardening, baking, bbqs, etc.  Then she and George moved to Ithaca and bought the farm in Freeville and frequent (daily) phone calls to keep each other sane through pregnancies and raising kids, and jobs.  There were family trips to each others' houses and to other places like The Outer Banks and Boone, NC.  Graduations and birthdays celebrated together.  Cell phones brought daily texts to say "Good Morning! What are you up to today" or she would tell me about the does and fawns or what birds were nesting along the pond or the coyotes had woken her and Ollie up early. Let's not forget all the crafting! Sewing and cross stitch and other interesting things like painting salt and pepper shakers and clay ornaments.  Other trips as our kids grew and left the house. The biggest one was to Australia just as Covid began to rear it's ugly head. Helping her get her dad moved up to her house and clean out his house to sell here in FL. We shared all the trials and tribulations of life through these 37 years. So very many memories. My life wouldn't have been the same without her. Bob, the kids and I are fortunate to be a part of her family. I miss her terribly and always will. 

I remember when I met Heidi. I was hired as a part-time paraprofessional for a high school class in the Turning Point program at BOCES in June 2008. Initially I took the job to get some money but really it was to start making connections with schools. My goal was to eventually be hired as a teacher. It was intimidating to start mid-year in a place where I knew no one. Heidi was the first person who introduced herself to me. She helped me find a way to connect with the students. I left the job in June 2008 for a different position at BOCES. Luckily, the job I took afforded me the opportunity to still visit with Heidi during the day. She invited me to her home and I was able to get to know her husband, George, her children, Van and Allie, her father, Jasper, and her dog, Darwin. Through the years Heidi came house shopping with me, helped move my husband and me into our house, provided help and support during the pregnancy and birth of my daughter, Michaela. Heidi became a grandmother to my daughter. She gave advice and provided a listening ear as I made career changes, encountered difficult times, and celebrated joyful occasions. Heidi truly made the everyday, ordinary things of life into something more special. Though her physical presence with me is not what it was, the memories and handmade momentos I have will continue to guide me. Those memories are a source of comfort and joy. I am eternally grateful that the last words we spoke to each other were "Love you."

I was stunned when I heard the news of Heidi's passing. I did not know her for very long, but loved sharing time with her.  Her enthusiasm and joy for life was catching and she made me feel uplifted.  She will be missed.

Phyllis Rappaort (Generator Gals)

I will never forget the hospitality that Heidi and George extended to me the time I visited their home during my Drntistry residency at Cornell. My sincere condolences to George and the rest of their family.

Kevin Ng

I was very sorry to hear of Heidi’s passing. George was my mentor during my time at Cornell and I spent time w him and his family -Heidi was very sweet and my condolences go out to George and all of you. Sonia Hernandez

The first time I met creative, naturalist & loving Heidi. All of us so young. I'm heartbroken and so very grateful for you.

Birthday Celebration

Dotty and I are so saddened by the news of Heidi’s passing. We have very fond memories of her. The first time we went to the Kollias’ home for a gathering I’m sure I had some thoughts of taking the “wall flower” approach. George was the department head and highly respected. I was nervous going into the home of this lauded and often stoic veterinarian. I quickly found out there was no chance of being a wall flower in the Kollias home. Heidi immediately took you in, made you feel at ease, and made you want to come back for more. She made you feel special. She was funny and engaging with a dash of spice. It was touching to see the love in that home, and we send our love to the family during this very difficult time.