Mary Ann Collard, 83, went home to be with the Lord on 2/26/2020. Loving mother of Rick Collard and his wife Piri, Tracy Pellett and her husband George, and Michael Collard and his wife Helena. Grandchildren Rob Joslin and his wife Becky, Jason Joslin and his wife Tracey and Joshua Joslin and his girlfriend Bren Fuhr, Kyle and Katie Ervans and Veronica and Renee Collard. Great grandchildren Logan, Kaiden, Caleb, and Brayden Joslin.
After her family was grown, Ms. Collard joined the CIA and served in Washington DC, Hong Kong, El Salvador, Brazil and Israel. She retired to Punta Gorda, FL where she resided for 16 years.
A celebration of Life Mass was held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 445 82nd Ave, St Pete Beach, FL. Donations in her memory may be made to the local Cancer Center.
Rick, Tracy and Michael Paul are thankful that as a single mom, she took care of four children who never lacked for a roof over their head, food, clothes, and always made sure that they got to where they needed to be on time. They remember that regardless of the circumstances, there were always presents under the Christmas tree, new dresses and suits at Easter, and many great gatherings with family especially at Thanksgiving which included her parents, siblings, children and many nieces and nephews.
Family was very important. Mary Ann never missed a milestone for her children or grandchildren. She came to every high school and college graduation regardless of the location. She loved her family and loved to write letters and emails to keep everyone updated. She had high expectations and was always ready to give advice because she cared deeply and loved much. Her intentions were always from the heart.
Mary Ann loved to travel and her job at the CIA allowed her to visit many countries such as Hong Kong, Pakistan, El Salvador, and Israel, from where she accumulated a multitude of beautiful art and items which she shared with her children and grandchildren. Her letters during this time always included pictures and detailed descriptions of the places she visited. If you had the chance to visit her at any of the locations she worked at, she took the time to research the best sites to visit and restaurants to eat at making sure that your visit was a fruitful one allowing you to experience the culture there.
She loved all her grandchildren. They all have fond memories of going to the beach with her, and receiving cards for every occasion. Rob, Jason and Josh called her James Bond Grandma when she worked at the CIA, and remember she attended as many of their sporting events as possible and loved the fun Christmas gifts they received during her overseas assignments and their last awesome dinner at Lulas in Owosso. Veronica and AJ always looked forward to the birthday and Christmas cards from Grandma Mimi and Renee remembers fondly when she visited that they went to every alligator place she could find and a sunset cruise so they could see the dolphins on the bay. She often used text messages to communicate with them. Kyle and Katie remember how she was their prayer warrior and how she always told them she believed in them and she always said they could do anything they dreamed of and could achieve anything they put their mind to with the will of God.
Mary Ann had amazing faith always keeping her family and friends in prayer. She made sure that Cheryl, Rick, Tracy and Michael Paul received all the sacraments. She gave generously to her church regardless of where she was living at the time and loved to go on church trips with her faith friends. She attended Mass faithfully and loved to pray novenas especially to Mary Un-doer of Knots. She would say the rosary often and as she approached the end of life you could hear her saying the rosary with devotion.
Our prayer is that she rest in peace and she knows that we loved her and she will be missed as she joins her mom, dad, her sister Kay and daughter Cheryl in eternal life.
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