Betty Jane Collins

Mrs. Betty Jane Collins, 81, died at her residence on December 21, 2010.

   A lifelong resident of Racine, she was born on July 4, 1929, the daughter of Anton and Helen (nee: Beyer) Szymanski.  She graduated from William H. Horlick High School.  On June 19, 1948, she married Keith Collins.  He preceded her in death on April 11, 1996. Mrs. Collins last worked at Kohl’s Food Store, serving in the deli.  

   She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed caring for her family and those dear to her.

   Her survivors include her sons, Michael (Claudia) Collins of Greene, RI, Todd (Becky) Collins and Shawn (Sherrie) Collins both of Racine; grandchildren, Marc (Teri), Jessica (Angelo), Seth, Scott (Stacey), Bret (Tammy), Cory, Rachael, Jill, Jeff and Patrick; seven great grandchildren; sister, Virginia Peters of Union Grove; brothers-in-law, Elwyn Collins of Minnesota, Forrest (Maria) Collins of Ohio; sister-in-law, Alayne (Neal) DeGarmo of California; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Collins was also preceded in death by her daughter, Sherry Neu. 

   A service remembering Betty will take place at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.  All are welcome to share a story or memory of Betty.  There will be time to visit with her family before the service from 5 – 7 p.m.  Her interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. We will meet at the entrance of the cemetery and drive in procession to the chapel.   Memorials have been suggested to the American Cancer Society.

   The Collins family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mary Jensen with Wheaton Franciscan Hospice as well as Dr. Michael Mullane and staff for the compassionate care they all received during their mother’s illness.  They would also like to thank Dr. David Zablotney for the many years he served as her doctor.