Sara Jane Collins
March 3rd, 1927 - May 28th, 2024
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Sara's Obituary
Sara Jane Collins, 97, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at her home in Stevensville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, July 16 at 2 PM at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 5506 Ridge Rd., Stevensville, Michigan, with Pastor Elise Low Edwardson officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date in Benona Township Cemetery near Shelby, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to Stevensville United Methodist Church or The Fellowship of Worship Artists. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Sara was born March 3, 1927 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to John and Dorris (Knapp) McDonald. In 1944, she graduated from Eaton Rapids High School and continued her education at Michigan State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in music education. On July 24, 1948, she married the love of her life, Gordon Collins, at The Peoples Church in East Lansing. The two were happily married for nearly fifty-six years before his passing in 2004.
Sara loved music and devoted over sixty years of her life as a church music director, leading choirs and handbell choirs at churches in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Shelby, Michigan. She also taught piano in her home for many years. Sara was a Diaconal Minister in the United Methodist Church and had leadership roles in local and district United Methodist Women. She served the Fellowship of Worship Artists in many leadership roles, including a term as National President. Sara was an avid reader and participated in a local online book club.
Spending time with family was important to Sara. In 1970, she and Gordon built a summer cottage near Shelby and following retirement, they moved there permanently. During the winter months, she traveled down to Corpus Christi, Texas to spend time with her family there. Sara also had a broad network of friends around the world whom she treasured. Sara was an incredibly kind and intelligent person and will be missed by all who knew her.
Sara is survived by children John (Robby Duiveman) Collins of Amsterdam; Jane (Brad) Kisner of Corpus Christi, Texas; Peter (Dianne) Collins of La Porte, Indiana; and Nancy (Mike) Farrington of Stevensville, Michigan; six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Dorris; loving husband, Gordon; and sister, Mary Calandro.
Sara was born March 3, 1927 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to John and Dorris (Knapp) McDonald. In 1944, she graduated from Eaton Rapids High School and continued her education at Michigan State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in music education. On July 24, 1948, she married the love of her life, Gordon Collins, at The Peoples Church in East Lansing. The two were happily married for nearly fifty-six years before his passing in 2004.
Sara loved music and devoted over sixty years of her life as a church music director, leading choirs and handbell choirs at churches in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Shelby, Michigan. She also taught piano in her home for many years. Sara was a Diaconal Minister in the United Methodist Church and had leadership roles in local and district United Methodist Women. She served the Fellowship of Worship Artists in many leadership roles, including a term as National President. Sara was an avid reader and participated in a local online book club.
Spending time with family was important to Sara. In 1970, she and Gordon built a summer cottage near Shelby and following retirement, they moved there permanently. During the winter months, she traveled down to Corpus Christi, Texas to spend time with her family there. Sara also had a broad network of friends around the world whom she treasured. Sara was an incredibly kind and intelligent person and will be missed by all who knew her.
Sara is survived by children John (Robby Duiveman) Collins of Amsterdam; Jane (Brad) Kisner of Corpus Christi, Texas; Peter (Dianne) Collins of La Porte, Indiana; and Nancy (Mike) Farrington of Stevensville, Michigan; six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Dorris; loving husband, Gordon; and sister, Mary Calandro.
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