Mary Frances Collins

Mary Frances Collins, 93, of Chaumont, NY, formerly of Brownville, NY, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2024, at the Samaritan Medical Center, where she was surrounded by her beloved family. 

She was born on March 17, 1931, daughter of Samuel Ralph and Inez Lortie Ralph, in Champion, New York. That is where her story began. A lifetime of love, laughter, caring and a light so bright it can never burn out. 

On November 20, 1948, Mary wed David Ernest Collins and together they had seven wonderful children. Mary lived to love. 

While raising her own children, Mary also provided in-home child care for many lucky families. She loved each child she cared for as she did her own. Mary then worked for Jefferson County at the Whispering Pines Adult Home, as well as a home caregiver, retiring after 16 years. 

Mary had a passion for music, playing the piano, accordion, and harmonica. She sang with the Northern Choral Group and church choir for many years.  Mary enjoyed writing poetry. She loved the outdoors, flowers, gardening, and camping, all ranked high on her list of fun. 

Above all else, she loved family time. Mary loved her children, and as the family grew, grandchildren became a staple in her life. There was never a shortage of love, snacks, and hugs to be had. Perhaps one of the greatest gifts we all seem to have inherited is her love of animals. Mary was a guiding light to all who knew her, and will continue to be that light as we start each day without her. Even in the darkest moments, there is a reason to smile. We just have to dig deep and find that reason. We believe this is a lesson to be taken from the beautiful soul that was Mary Collins. 

Mary is survived by six children, Ronald (Martha) Collins of Black River, Linda (Kenneth) Moore of Chaumont, Andrew Collins of Glen Park, Kathleen (John) Sprague of Glen Park, Therese (Timothy) McConnell of Glen Park, John (Debbie) Collins of Flat Rock, North Carolina. 22 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, 20 great-great-grandchildren, a special niece, Jill DeBerry, whose daily cards brightened  the last seven years, an adopted daughter and granddaughter, Annette and Holly Azzolino-Cordell, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Mary is predeceased by her loving husband, David Ernest Collins, a son, David T. Collins, granddaughter, Jaime L. Atkinson, and her parents, Samuel and Inez Ralph. Her sisters, Sally Coleman, Ethel Famoly, Mabel Ralph, Helen Porter, Connie Frost, and Shirley Ralph. 

Grandma's beloved cats, Ion and Rosita, will miss her as dearly as we all will. 

We ask that if it's possible, you wear green to the services to celebrate our Irish angel. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Dexter. Calling hour will be held from Noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, April 26th,  at the Fellowship Baptist Church 20022 State Route 3 in Watertown, followed by a 1 p.m.memorial service at the church. The family will host a luncheon immediately following at the church. Burial will take place at the Champion Hillside Cemetery, County Route 47 Champion, on Friday at 4 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PAWS 4 Potter, 16798, County Route 53, Dexter, New York, 13634,  an organization dear to her heart. 

Online condolences may be left at www.dexterfuneralhome.com.

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