Colette Brinkman

January 1, 1970 - March 24, 2008

Colette was born in Los Angeles, California. She was an educator, librarian and administrator in public school systems throughout Santa Clara Valley and Berryessa School District in San Jose. Her undergraduate work was done at Long Beach State College, her master’s at San Jose State and her Doctorate Degree through the University of Southern California. She was a Fulbright Scholar in 1978.

During her DoDDS career, Colette was librarian at Zama Middle School in Japan, vice principal at Wagner Middle School in the Philippines, vice principal at Kubasaki High School in Okinawa and an Educational Specialist at the District Office in Okinawa.

After her retirement, she taught ESL and GED classes and was deeply involved in Elder Hostel Tours. She was active in San Jose AAUW and served on the San Jose Library Commission.

Colette was a well read, dedicated educator, world traveler and antique collector. She especially loved her experiences in Japan and the friends she made there. She enjoyed culturally diverse students and collaborating with her librarian friends.

Collette passed away at home on March 24, 2008. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her.

(Submitted by Peggy Hannon, Kathy Sullivan and Sarah King)