Margaret G. Collins

Margaret is survived by her thirteen children, Caeli, Judie, John (Retired CFD) (Debbie nee Burke), Kevin (Kate nee Nolan), Meg (the late Jeff) Breit, Paul (Cindy nee Boyce), Nora (Retired CPD) (Mark Boyich), Mary (Brian) Sullivan, Tim (Kelly nee Kyle), Kyle (Alice nee Brophy), Jimbo, Jeanne (Tom) Mahay and Jason (Christine nee Coglianese).

Margaret was grandmother to 24: Erin (Brian) Compton, Annie (Jeff) O’Connell, Mary Kate Collins and Jack Collins, Sara (Jeff) Asjes, Brian Collins, Christopher (Brooke nee Walsh) Breit, Matt (Liz nee Manna) Breit, and Nicole (Mike) Harris, Chaas Collins, Brooke (Steven) Antonozzi, Brandi (Rob) Nyberg, Donnie (Samantha) Selby, Kol Karas, Kristyn (Jesse) Booth, Daniel Darling Duffin, Jeni Collins, Jim Sullivan, Colleen Collins, Jack Mahay, Tim Mahay, Connor Mahay, Shannon Collins, and Amanda Collins.

She was also great grandmother to 21: Ciaran, Rowan and Cillian Compton, Patrick and Michael O’Connell, Maggie, Lucy and Nora Breit, Brody and Tessa Breit, Shane and Brock Harris, Ronnie Nyberg, Noah, Josh, and Ava Antonozzi, Raellyn, Jesse Jr., and Jasmyn Booth, Colin and Farrah Lassiter.

Margaret was born in Chicago on February 6th, 1926, to George and Margaret Grafer. She worked in the banking industry as a supervisor in the proof operating division. She was the oldest sibling of nine – Helen (Dick) Swallow, Richard (Angie), and James Tom Grafer. Preceded in death by Lorraine (Floyd) Ammerman, Carl (Margaret), George (Jacqueline), Sue (Noffy) Servedio and Barbara (Ron) Flood Pollace. On January 28th, 1950, she married John Joseph Collins with whom she spent the next 43 years until his death in 1993. Together, they raised their thirteen children in Sacred Heart and St. Thomas More parishes.

Margaret was a committed mother and avid reader. She encouraged everyone to read, to try anything, and to do their best. She demanded the use of proper English and ensured that her children performed to the best of their ability. She loved to attend any and all sporting events for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She could solve any problem and expected the same of everyone. She never met anyone that she wouldn’t engage in a meaningful conversation.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Bridge located at 15555 71st Ct, Orland Park, IL 60462 would be greatly appreciated.