Nilis Collazo Obituary (2023)

Sometimes God blesses us with angels sent from heaven that bless us in human form, even if it's for a little while. Niolis Collazo made her debut into this world on December 17, 1999 to Orlando Collazo and Nitza Rivera in San Turce, Puerto Rico. As a child, along with her mother and younger siblings, she moved to Illinois. It didn't take long for the gifted child to blossom and excel into a bright and exceptional elementary and high school student, vocalist in her school and church choirs, volleyball phenomenon, and a strong suited debate member. But what she was most passionate throughout her life was helping and serving people. After graduating from Waukegan High School, she went on to the University of Wisconsin (Oshkosh) where she studied in the field of social work. After earning her degree in 2022, She started her career as a counselor and mentor for the WOW Program at the Waukegan School District 60 as well as coached the freshman boys volleyball team at Waukegan High School. Niolis Collazo departed this life on May 6, 2023. She leaves behind her father Orlando Callazo, her mother Nitza and stepfather Terry Joiner; her siblings, Joseph Acosta, Mia Carani, Edier and Yadier Collazo; step-siblings, Lexy, Bradlee, Imani, Zackary and Jacob Joiner; her nephews Jayden and Devin Parikh, and as well as a host of beloved family members, friends, colleagues, and students. An amazing daughter. The most amazing sister. The most amazing niece. The most amazing friend. The most amazing coach, counselor and confidant. The activist, the advocate, and the empath. The most amazing angel. Her contagious smile always lit up any room she entered. Her kind, sweet soul and gentleness filled any space she was in. She will always be remembered as a bright, shining light who lit up our world. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the main gym at Waukegan High School, Washington Campus, 1011 Washington St., Waukegan. Interment will be private. Visitation will be 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, May 12, 2023 at Peterson & Patch Funeral Home 408 N. Sheridan Rd. Waukegan and from 12:00 PM to time of Service at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the main gym at Waukegan High School, Washington Campus, 1011 Washington St., Waukegan. Please sign our online guestbook at www.waukeganfunerals.com.