Ann Adams Collavo

Ann Adams Collavo born Ann Elizabeth Adams, 82, of Greenville, South Carolina, passed

away on July 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on April 12, 1944, in

Summerville, Pennsylvania, Ann lived a life defined by adventure, resilience, and an

extraordinary spirit.

Ann graduated from Etna High School, where her father served as superintendent of the

district, and went on to earn her degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She began

her teaching career in Fox Chapel and the surrounding Pittsburgh area. As a single young

woman in the 1960s, she boldly left the tiny town of Etna and set out for Germany, initially

teaching at a small U.S. military outpost school in Wildflecken before moving to Ramstein

Air Base. It was there she met and married her first husband, Lt. Colonel John Deutsch. The

couple relocated to Macon, Georgia, where their sons, Aaron and Michael, were born. She

and John divorced after moving to Illinois. There, Ann ended up meeting her lifelong

partner, Lt. Colonel Jon Gregory Collavo. They married and welcomed their daughter,

Danielle, beginning a partnership that would span 46 remarkable years.

Ann's courage was perhaps never more evident than when she and Greg moved their young

family to Mogadishu, Somalia, where Greg served as the Air Force Attaché. With three small

children in tow, she adapted to a new culture, became skilled in diplomatic relations, hosted

official functions, and built meaningful ties within foreign military and diplomatic

communities. After a few years in Somalia, the family moved to the Washington, D.C. area

before returning to Africa in 1992, where Ann taught third grade at the International School

of Kenya in Nairobi. She enjoyed safaris, the African coast, and out-haggling everyone at the

local markets. After returning stateside to Austin, Texas, Ann and Greg eventually retired to

the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains outside Greenville, South Carolina, where they

spent sixteen years perfecting their beautiful home. Her touch can be seen in every corner of

the garden and throughout the house.

Intelligent and strong-willed, with a sharp sense of humor, Ann was a firecracker who was

also deeply kind. A devoted member of her local church, she taught Sunday School and

supported causes close to her heart, including charities serving veterans, children, animals,

and the environment. She loved beautiful things, art, history, gardening, rescuing dogs, and

cheering on her Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ann is survived by her husband, Jon Gregory Collavo; her daughters, Thea Elizabeth Gillam

and Danielle Larissa Collavo; and her sons, Aaron John Deutsch and Michael Erik Deutsch.

A memorial service will be held at her church, John Knox Presbyterian, on Saturday, August

15, 2026, at 2:00 PM, followed by a reception at the church. A live stream will be available

for those unable to attend in person.

Ann will be greatly missed. May she rest in the peace and grace of the Lord. In lieu of

flowers, you may donate in her honor to the following charities:

Mara Elephant Project https://maraelephantproject.org/donate/

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/