Amelia M. (Millie) Collins, 82, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 12, 2019, surrounded by family. Millie was born on August 13, 1936 in Cleveland, Ohio, and was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Terence Collins; her son, Patrick Collins, her parents Amelia and Stephen Szabo, and her brother, Stephen Szabo. She is survived by two sons: Michael Collins (and wife Melissa) and Christopher Collins (and wife Cheryl); three daughters, Elizabeth Collins, Cathleen McQuade (and husband Joseph) and Eileen Swetnam (and husband David); and seven blessed grandchildren, Hannah, Rachel, Emily, Andrew, Madeleine, Connor, and Isabella. Millie’s cherished Fergus, the Shih Tzu, will live with the family.
Millie graduated from West Technical High School in 1954 in Lakewood, Ohio, and worked as a Secretary until she met and married the love of her life, Terry, in 1966. They moved from Cleveland to Conneautville, PA in 1973 and raised their six children. Millie’s love overflowed from her family to the whole community. Her door was always open. Her house was filled with the high spirited laughter and hijinks of her children, their friends, and anyone who needed a place to stay. Millie was a passionate community activist, a town councilwoman, active member of St. Peter’s Church, enthusiastic fund raiser for the local high school, and Emergency Medical Technician for the volunteer fire department. Millie and Terry left Conneautville for Connecticut to be close to family in 2004, and moved once more to Jacksonville in 2009, where she continued her community activism. She joined St. Matthew’s Catholic Church and was part of several ministries and even joined the Venetia Garden Club. In Jacksonville her home was again open, this time filled with the laughter and joy of her grandchildren and their friends. She loved crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, reading, grooving to the oldies, spoiling everyone around her (especially her puppy Fergus), and being with her family.
Millie will be remembered for her everlasting love of her family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Always quick to share a smile, laugh, or a bit of wisdom mixed with her distinct wit, Millie’s presence will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank the Orange Park Medical Center staff for the care and comfort you gave to Millie and her family.
The viewing will be from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, Monday, May 20, 2019 at Oaklawn Chapel & Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 11:00am, St. Matthew's Catholic Church.
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