Yolanda Trilleras Collazos
March 2, 1944 – April 14, 2026
Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to all, passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 14, 2026, at the age of 82. Yolanda’s final months were a testament to her remarkable strength and spirit as she faced many challenges, yet, she remained a symbol of grace for her family, who remained steadfastly by her side.
Life and Career:
Born on March 2, 1944, in Cali, Colombia, to the late Felix Collazos and Oliva Belalcazar, Yolanda brought the vibrant spirit of her homeland with her when she moved to Massachusetts. For over two decades, from 2001 to 2023, she was a familiar and friendly face at Boston College Dining Services, where she didn't just serve meals, she served kindness to generations of students and colleagues.
A Life of Love and Faith:
Yolanda was a woman of deep faith and immense joy. A devout Catholic, she found beauty in the simplest things and lived her life with an open heart. Before her illness, her home was a sanctuary of hospitality where the coffee was always brewing and her famous empanadas were a legendary treat for family and friends. Mariachi music—her favorite—often filled the air as she shared her cooking and her time. She was an avid walker and a true animal lover, especially devoted to her beloved dog, Maia.
Known as a "second mother" to many of her neighbors, Yolanda had a gift for making friends wherever she went. To her children, she was not only their mother, she was their best friend. Her legacy is one of selflessness, always doing her best to help anyone in need with a sweet smile and a caring word.
Family:
She is survived by her loving children: Claudia Trilleras and partner Frank Villari, Diego Trilleras and wife Liliana Trilleras, Jaime Andres Trilleras, Hector Trilleras and wife Ana Trilleras, and Monica Mendoza.
She was the proud grandmother of Alexander Orrego, Nicole (Trilleras) Alvarez and husband Kyle Alvarez, Caroline Trilleras, Jonathan Trilleras, Giovanni Trilleras, Anna Karina (Trilleras) Burgess and husband Will Burgess, and the doting great-grandmother of Tatiyana, Leilah, Juliyana, Jordyn, Archie, and Gianna.
Yolanda is also survived by her siblings Mirian Molina, Luis Collazos, Julia Collazos, Arturo Collazos, and Aldemar Collazos. She was predeceased by her dear sister, Aleyda Collazos.
Services:
A Funeral Mass will be held to celebrate Yolanda’s life and faith. Family and friends are invited to gather.
May 23, 10am
Saint Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church
Boston College
28 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467