Kathleen M Collins

Kathleen M Collins, known affectionately as Kathy, passed away on December 4, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on June 9, 1952, to Mary and Jimmy French in Bolton Landing, NY, Kathy spent her early years in upstate New York before moving to South Florida with her family in the early 1960s. She attended Crescent Park Elementary, Rodgers Middle, and graduated from Stranahan High School in 1970.

In 1969, on a graveyard shift at the Waffle House, she met her soulmate, Kenny Collins. They were married in May 1972 and enjoyed a beautiful and loving marriage for 44 years. Kathy dedicated three decades of her life to the North Broward Hospital District, serving many roles in the finance department. Her passions included cooking, boating, fishing, country music—where she was an amazing singer—NASCAR, and she was a die-hard San Francisco 49ers fan.

Kathy's beautiful life will be cherished by her daughter, Cindy Laganiere; sons, Michael Collins, Danny Collins, and Tim Collins; her grandchildren, TJ Collins, Shannon Collins, Kellen Collins, Avery Laganiere, Dylan Collins, Zoey Laganiere; and her great-grandchild, Tyler Collins. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Kimberly Collins, and son-in-law, Ian Laganiere. Kathy had an amazing assortment of family and friends and will be sorely missed by anyone who shared her company.

For those who knew her, Kathy was a fierce, courageous, and loving mother, sister, daughter, and friend. She possessed a sharp wit and a brilliant mind, always loving wholly from her heart. Known for her honesty, she was never afraid to tell people what they needed to hear, rather than what they wanted to hear. Kathy set an example for her family and friends to fight for what they believe in and never give up. Her hard work, loyalty, compassion, and honesty were cornerstones of who she was. With her unbelievable hearing and sensibility, she was lovingly nicknamed the "Gatekeeper" because she was aware of everything.

Kathy's absence will leave a hole in our hearts that can never be completely filled. Her selfless and generous spirit, along with her loyal and hard-working nature, made her a truly unique individual. You could live ten lifetimes on this earth and only encounter someone like her once.