Bobbie Collyer
We are sad to share that long time friend of the farm Bobbie Collyer passed away on November 4, 2025. Bobbie was one among If Only Farm's original boarders and is the reason Tucker, now one of our most beloved lesson horses, came to the farm. Bobbie was a riding companion and mentor to countless equestrians of all ages at If Only and she will be dearly missed.
Please read Bobbie's obituary below.
We are sad to share that long time friend of the farm Bobbie Collyer passed away on November 4, 2025. Bobbie was one among If Only Farm's original boarders and is the reason Tucker, now one of our most beloved lesson horses, came to the farm. Bobbie was a riding companion and mentor to countless equestrians of all ages at If Only and she will be dearly missed.
Please read Bobbie's obituary below.
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Barbara Underhill Collyer
January 9, 1931 - November 4, 2025
Barbara Underhill Collyer passed peacefully on November 4, 2025 surrounded by family, her Hospicare nurse and her care aide at the Bridges Cornell Heights house she called home for over 3 years. Barbara, known as Bobbie to her friends, was born in New Jersey on January 9, 1931.
Barbara had a robust zest for life throughout her 94 years. She spent her childhood between Hollywood, Florida and Burlington, Vermont spending countless hours enjoying the out of doors.
When it came time for college, she enrolled in Skidmore College and pursued a career in physical education. Her Skidmore years were highly influential for the rest of her life. She then completed a master’s degree at Smith College and went on to teach at Brown, University of Texas and Cornell, bringing her to Ithaca, NY. Over the years, Barbara became an active Skidmore alum, serving as an alumna trustee, chair of Skidmore’s Legacy Advisory Committee and countless other committees with a special focus on scholarships.
Barbara’s friends knew her for her love of horses, horseback riding, fly fishing, tennis, golf, gardening and travelling. She was rarely seen without her 2 labrador retrievers. In Ithaca she was an enthusiastic supporter of Cornell athletics, especially rowing and hockey. She also enjoyed the performing arts at Ithaca College and shared her faith in the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca.
Barbara is survived by nephews Paul and Mark Underhill from her brother Robert (and Barbara) Underhill, a cousin, Laura McCoy and by Katherine Dewart, the daughter of her first husband Lewis H. Durland. After Lew’s passing, she married Frank F. Collyer III in 1983. Frank had three children James, Carol and Priscilla Schmidt (deceased). Their daughters Chesney and Georgia (of James and Tuty Collyer) and Katherine (of Priscilla and Roger Schmidt) knew Bobbie as a beloved grandma, an adventurous soul, and shared her love of horses.
In a nutshell, Barbara lived life to the fullest!
She received loving care and support as a resident at Bridges Cornell Heights for the last few years of her life, followed by the support of Hospicare and wonderful visits and love from many friends, relatives, and neighbors. In lieu of gifts and flowers, please consider a contribution to Hospicare, Tompkins SPCA, Skidmore College, Cornell Rowing or the charity of your choice.
A celebration of life will be planned in the future. Gallop on Bobbie!
Barbara had a robust zest for life throughout her 94 years. She spent her childhood between Hollywood, Florida and Burlington, Vermont spending countless hours enjoying the out of doors.
When it came time for college, she enrolled in Skidmore College and pursued a career in physical education. Her Skidmore years were highly influential for the rest of her life. She then completed a master’s degree at Smith College and went on to teach at Brown, University of Texas and Cornell, bringing her to Ithaca, NY. Over the years, Barbara became an active Skidmore alum, serving as an alumna trustee, chair of Skidmore’s Legacy Advisory Committee and countless other committees with a special focus on scholarships.
Barbara’s friends knew her for her love of horses, horseback riding, fly fishing, tennis, golf, gardening and travelling. She was rarely seen without her 2 labrador retrievers. In Ithaca she was an enthusiastic supporter of Cornell athletics, especially rowing and hockey. She also enjoyed the performing arts at Ithaca College and shared her faith in the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca.
Barbara is survived by nephews Paul and Mark Underhill from her brother Robert (and Barbara) Underhill, a cousin, Laura McCoy and by Katherine Dewart, the daughter of her first husband Lewis H. Durland. After Lew’s passing, she married Frank F. Collyer III in 1983. Frank had three children James, Carol and Priscilla Schmidt (deceased). Their daughters Chesney and Georgia (of James and Tuty Collyer) and Katherine (of Priscilla and Roger Schmidt) knew Bobbie as a beloved grandma, an adventurous soul, and shared her love of horses.
In a nutshell, Barbara lived life to the fullest!
She received loving care and support as a resident at Bridges Cornell Heights for the last few years of her life, followed by the support of Hospicare and wonderful visits and love from many friends, relatives, and neighbors. In lieu of gifts and flowers, please consider a contribution to Hospicare, Tompkins SPCA, Skidmore College, Cornell Rowing or the charity of your choice.
A celebration of life will be planned in the future. Gallop on Bobbie!
