Mary Lois Collins 1946 - 2003

COLLINS, LANDER, PACKER

Posted By: Marguerite (email)
Date: 5/1/2003 at 14:30:45

IOWA CITY

Today, the Lord called one of his angels home. Mary L. Collins, 56, of 11 Wildberry Court NE, Iowa City, died Thursday April 24, 2003 at home surrounded by her family following a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2003 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Iowa City, with the Reverend Mark Martin, officiating. A reception in the church hall will follow services. Graveside services will be at 4:00 p.m. at Marietta Cemetery in rural Marshall County, Iowa. Friends may call from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Lensing’s Oak Hill 210 Holiday Road, Coralville and at the church after 10:15am Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Hospice of Iowa City or the Mary L. Collins Scholarship Fund c/o the University of Iowa Foundation. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.

Mary Lois Collins was born August 9, 1946, in Marshall County, Iowa, the daughter of Ben and Irene (Lander) Packer. She graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1964 and the American Institute of Business with an Executive Secretarial Degree in 1965. She was united in marriage to Dan Collins on June 27, 1970, in Marshall County. The couple made their home in East Lansing, Michigan until moving to Iowa City in 1976. Mary worked for ACT in the registration area for the past twelve years. She was a member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church where she was a deacon, a member of the fellowship committee and had taught Sunday school for many years.

Mary’s favorite role was mom and wife. She loved her daughters and husband dearly and enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends. Mary was a caring and loving person who made the day brighter for those around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her husband Dan of Iowa City; two daughters, Melissa Baker and her husband Shawn of North Liberty, and Tessa of Iowa City; her mother, Irene Packer of Marshalltown; her sister, Ellen Smith and her husband Dave of Geneseo, Illinois; four brothers, Elwood Packer and his wife Jeri of Marshalltown, Dave Packer and his wife Donna of LeGrande, Iowa, Bennett Packer and his wife Lisa of Kearney, Nebraska, Jon Packer and his wife Jill of Omaha, Nebraska, 11 nieces and nephews, and ten great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father.