Ann Collica

Ann McDonald Collica, age 92, formerly of San Diego, CA, passed away on March 20, 2024 in Knoxville, TN. She was born in Detroit, MI to Archie and Ann McDonald of Hastings, MI on April 9, 1931. She was a University of Michigan 1953 graduate where she received a Bachelor of Science in design. Ann spent her entire career working for the American Red Cross as a recreational leader serving in military hospitals, including tours in Vietnam and Alaska. She worked with patients all her life as a social recreational coordinator and helping soldiers returning from war. Ann served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary undergoing annual training exercises for many years. In 1954, she joined the First United Methodist Church of San Diego and sang in their Chancel Choir for over 60 years becoming their longest serving member in their history. Ann was known for her great sense of humor, making her a favorite choir member over the years. In 1973, she married the love of her life, Dr. Stephen Collica.

Ann was a talented artist and pianist. She loved painting oil and water color and drew characters and cartoons. She was an accomplished pianist by sight reading or playing by ear and could play and sing almost any show tune from any decade on demand. Ann played the piano before dinner at the Fredericka Manor once a week for almost 20 years to share her gift of music, and some of her most special piano playing was offered at Christmas during family gatherings that will be remembered forever. While in California, she was a long time member of the Republican Women's Federated club and was a regular volunteer at both Scripps and Kaiser hospitals. Along with her extensive list of talents and hobbies, Ann was also a licensed airplane pilot; one time having to land on the interstate when the gas tank was too low for comfort.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Ann McDonald, husband, Dr. Stephen Collica, and brother, Chancellor Frederick McDonald. She is survived by sister-in-law, Ruth McDonald of Knoxville, TN; two step-children, Randy Collica (Nanci) of Edmond, OK, and Tina Collica (Chris Orthodoxou) of Roanoke, VA; nephew, Tom McDonald of Knoxville, TN; niece, Marilyn Rowlett (Morris) of Carmel, IN; and special lifelong friends, Stan Levinson (Kay Pantellis) and their son, Mark Levinson (Deb) all of San Diego, CA.

Funeral services for Ann are scheduled for Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 10:30am in the Magnolia Room at Glen Abbey Mortuary. Followed immediately by a committal service in block 60 at Glen Abbey Memorial Park 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902