Suzanne D Collett

"Be the person that your dog thinks you are."

Obituary

SSuzanne Dinon Wigginton Collett
Known to most as Suzy, passed peacefully in her sleep on December 17, 2025 — with grace, as she lived. She leaves behind a legacy of style, wit, devotion, and deep, enduring friendship.

Born in Memphis and a graduate of Monterey High School in Lubbock, Suzy was an avid tennis player in both high school and college, following in the footsteps of her father, who also coached her. She pledged Kappa Alpha Theta at Texas Tech and formed lifelong friendships there. During her college years, Suzy earned her Bachelor’s degree and met Tod Collett, whom she later married. They built a life together in Richardson, raising two children — Randy and Shelley Collett — both of whom carry forward her love of dogs, her deep care for others, and her signature sarcastic wit.

After their divorce in the mid-70s, Suzy returned to school to earn her second degree in Interior Design and launched her own commercial interior design firm — a trailblazing move for a woman of that time. Her long-standing partnerships, especially with executives at Lincoln Properties and Behringer Harvard, formed the heart of a successful 40+ year career with Collett Design Associates, marked by exquisite taste, professionalism, and a sharp, discerning eye.

And because she believed even the everyday sandal or boot deserved a touch of flair, she also started a second business -Smoolaces - a line of designer shoelaces.

A lifelong dog lover, Suzy rescued and adored more than a dozen pups over the years. She also served on the board of a rescue organization for many years. To them, she wasn’t just an owner — she was Mom, provider of belly rubs, long walks, treats, and that rare, unconditional kind of love animals seem to understand best.

Suzy had a razor-sharp sense of humor, often delivered with sly sarcasm and a wink of irreverence. Her tell? A little sideways smile, like she’d just said something deliciously naughty and was quietly cracking herself up.

Even into her 80s, Suzy defied time. She looked years younger, with impeccable style and natural grace. Her home — which she designed herself (multiple times :) — was an extension of her: refined, creative, and always welcoming.

Her Theta sister and dearest lifelong friend, Susan Petty, walked beside her until the end and carried the sacred responsibility of Power of Attorney with grace and love. Through Susan, the Theta sisters stayed closely connected over the decades, gathering annually for many years in a cherished tradition of laughter, stories, and enduring friendship.

Suzy’s loyalty to her friends — old and new — was one of her most defining and beautiful traits. She was a daughter, a mother, a friend, a sister in spirit, a two-time business owner, and a beloved neighbor. On her street, the 24+ children knew “Ms. Suzy’s” door was always open — offering graham crackers, dog love, and encouragement (often with cash in hand) for whatever they were selling that week.

Suzy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia in 2020. After more than 45 years in her Crestover Circle home, she moved into assisted living in late October of 2024. She transitioned to memory care in April 2025, following a hospitalization for double pneumonia and a collapsed lung. As of early November, she still knew us, was mobile, and was feeding herself. Things shifted as November and December progressed, and she died peacefully in her sleep on the morning of December 17.

Suzy is survived by her daughter, Shelley Collett, and her partner JB Harrington (aka Suzy’s driver and errand runner :) of Richardson; her son, Randy Collett, and his wife Natalie of Virginia; her lifelong best friend, Theta sister, and POA, Susan Petty of Richardson; and many cherished friends, colleagues, and neighbors from her many years in the Dallas area.

We will gather to celebrate her life on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., hosted by her dear friends of decades, Betty Radman, and Diane Boddy, who has graciously opened her home for this Celebration. May we share warm stories, and the kind of laughter Suzy would have loved.

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