Eileen R. Collins, age 85, of Gladstone passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024, following a short bout with cancer, at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.
Eileen was born June 13, 1938 in Flint, MIchigan, the daughter of Eberhardt and Dorothy (Montgomery) Petersen. She graduated from the Gladstone High School in 1956. She was a longtime member of Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was also a clerk at Swanson’s Hardware Store in Gladstone for several years. She loved spending time with her family, taking care of her grandchildren, cooking, baking, doing crafts and crossword puzzles.
Eileen is survived by her children, Ray (Bonnie) Collins Jr, of Escanaba, Bruce (Cindy) Collins of Gladstone and Kathi (Fred) Hoehn of Escanaba; grandchildren, Jennifer (John) Delveaux, Jessica Johnson, Heather (Todd Beauchamp) Hoehn, Jamie (Chris) Davis and Mason (Jeri) Collins; 11 great grandchildren; siblings, John (Mae) Petersen of Lake Ann, MI, Phil (Virginia) Petersen of Gladstone, Bonnie Brower of Escanaba and Jill Seeley of Hot Springs, AK and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandsons, Jerry and Mitch Collins, great grandson, Cameron Delveaux, sister, Mikki Petersen, grandson-in-law, Jim Johnson and brothers-in-law, Ken Seeley and Benny Brower.
The family would like to thank Murray’s Country View and staff, Bishop Noa Home and staff and UP Health System Homecare and Hospice for the assistance, kindness and compassion while taking care of Eileen.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
The family does not wish to receive any flower or monetary donations but rather donations be made to a charity of your choice in Eileen’s honor.
Kathy Maynard - Gladstone, Mi
Thoughts and prayers to Eileen’s family. We knew here from the hardware store. She was always pleasant, friendly and very helpful. May she rest in peace.
Kathy Maynard.
Deanna Koski - Escanaba , Mi
Sympathies for your loss, Collins family.
Les Swanson - Issaquah, Wa
Eileen was a treasured member of the many employees of the Swanson Hardware team over the years. She served the community well for many years in that role and was well know to Gladstone residents.May she rest in peace.
JoAnn Peippo - Escanaba, MI
Kathi and Fred and the rest of Eileen’s family. Our condolences on the passing of your beautiful mother.
Tom and Jessie Seronko - Gladstone , Mi
Ray, Bruce, Kathy and families, so very sorry for your loss, your mom was a very sweet lady, always so nice and helpful! Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers for you all!
David Nyberg - Gladstone, Mi
Bruce, Ray , Kathi and families
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I will always remember her at Swansons Hardware. She was always so helpful and I always enjoyed our conversations.
Sue Gagnon - Gladstone , Mi
Bruce:
I’m so sorry to see the news of the passing of your Mom. It’s such a sad day when we loose our Mom.
It’s heart breaking to close that chapter of our lives.
I mostly remember her from the Swanson True Value store in Gladstone, She was as such a sweet lady.
Love to you and your family
Paul L. Strom - Escanaba, Mi
Rest in peace knowing your children are wonderfully made in your beautiful image and in the image of God. Trees are determined by their fruit, and yours is exceptional. Job well done. Amen.
Richard Vanderlinden - Colorado Springs, CO
Close friends of our family for my entire life. Wonderful lady who made a positive impression on me when I was in my teens. Sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing. The Vanderlindens from Colorado send our condolences to the entire family.
Michelle Grenier - ESCANABA, MI
Kathy, I’m sorry for your loss, you were such a faithful daughter to your Mom. Always enjoyed visiting with her and YOU. Eternal rest grant upon her soul and let perpetual light shine upon her.
KARL DAHLGREN - Sheboygan, WI
Ray, so sorry for your loss. I remember when you and I were at James D Jones grade school in 4th grade and I was sitting at a desk and your mother brought you in and asked me if you could sit next to me and I said of course. She seemed like a very nice woman. After that you and I went on to go through grade school and into high school together and wrestled for 4 years in high school. It was also great to see you again at this last class reunion. I pray the good Lord will get you through this difficult time. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Julie Brunette - Kipling , Mi
I’ve always enjoyed talking with her in the store. A kind lady that will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to a wonderful family. ❤️
Steve Stock and family - Colorado Springs, CO
Bruce, Kathy, and Ray, our heart goes out to you. Your mom was the sweetest lady and I know how much you will all miss her. Praying for all you guys.