Patricia Jean Collins

Patricia Jean Collins (Pat), 73, of Mill Creek, Washington, passed away on April 16, 2026, in Seattle, Washington, following multiple strokes caused by complications from a blood infection.

Pat was born on September 21, 1952, in McPherson, Kansas, to William Newell and Elsie Hittle Newell. She was the youngest of three daughters and is now reunited with her beloved brother, Brad, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Paul; her sons, David, Andrew, and Phillip Collins; her daughter-in-law, Autumn Collins (David’s wife); her grandsons, Hunter, Finn, and Parker; her sisters, Joan Kugler and Nancy Malone; her brother-in-law, Jerry Malone; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Brad, and her brother-in-law, Mendal Kugler.

Pat graduated from McPherson High School, Rutgers University, and the University of Washington, where she earned her teaching certificate. She dedicated 21 years to teaching, primarily as a fifth-grade teacher, shaping countless young lives with care and enthusiasm. She also served as a district-level reading specialist, mentoring fellow educators in effective literacy instruction. During her sons’ younger years, she faithfully taught Sunday School to elementary and middle school students.

Pat and Paul were married on May 25, 1974, in Oklahoma City. Their life together took them to many places—including Norman, Oklahoma; New Brunswick, New Jersey; Gaithersburg, Maryland; West Lafayette, Indiana; and eventually Seattle and Mill Creek, Washington—as Paul pursued his graduate studies and academic career. Along the way, they shared a deep love of adventure, enjoying cross-country skiing, biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, exploring bookstores, attending concerts and plays, and watching foreign films.

Pat lived a full and vibrant life, marked by her devotion to family, her passion for teaching, and her deep faith. She poured her love into raising her sons, delighted in her grandsons, and found joy in mentoring newlyweds and participating in church small groups. She treasured the “Newell Sisterhood” and nurtured lifelong friendships, including many memorable outings with dear friends. She will be remembered for her expressive joy, boundless energy, adaptability, generosity, authenticity, and unwavering love for God and those around her.

An avid explorer, Pat delighted in city adventures, walks along seashores, and hikes through forests and on mountain trails. In recent years, she especially enjoyed multi-day biking trips throughout Washington, Vancouver Island, the Okanagan Valley in Canada, and parts of Germany and Austria. She also loved gardening, birdwatching, printmaking, and baking—and especially cherished time spent creating and sharing these joys with her grandsons.

We thank God for the gift of Pat’s life. She was truly one of a kind. She enriched and blessed the lives of all who knew her, and her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those she loved.

Visitation will be held at Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills, 409 Filbert Road, Lynnwood, WA 980364934, US, on April 30, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. A Celebration of Life will be held at Bethany Community Church, 8023 Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98101, on May 1, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

Pat's place of rest will be at Floral Hills Cemetery, Lynnwood, Washington

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mill Creek Food Bank (https://www.hopecreekcf.org/) or Everett Gospel Mission (https://egmission.org/).