Wanda L. Collins' Obituary
Wanda Lee Collins, 97, of Mequon WI, passed away Monday, January 16, 2023.
Wanda was born July 19, 1925, in Clinton, IL, a daughter of Harold Herbert and Rhea Asenath (Reed) Lynch. Wanda married Elmer Monroe Collins on September 14, 1947, in Decatur, IL, and he preceded her in death on April 14, 1985.
Surviving are her children: Janyce (husband, Doug Hardy) Collins of Mequon WI, Mary Manger of Ocala FL and Charles Collins of Harriman TN; surviving grandchildren: Marco (wife Maranda) Collins of Maryville TN, Micah Collins of Louisville TN, Jana (husband Marlon) SantosMejia of Knoxville TN, Brian Hardy of Mequon WI and Kathryn Hardy of Mequon WI. Also surviving are 6 great grandchildren, 5 step great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, husband and her brother, James Lynch of Shelbyville IL
Wanda was a former member of the First Christian Church of Clinton, IL. She was formerly a member of Home Bureau and DAR of Clinton, Eastern Star of Lombard, IL, VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, United Transportation Union Auxiliary and National Railroaders Camping Club.
Wanda originally worked as a telegraph operator for the Illinois Central Railroad. She was a bookkeeper for her father’s Phillip 66 Gas station in Clinton IL. She also at one time managed a motel.
Wanda was very family oriented. She not only raised her own children and grandchildren but played significant roles in the lives of many other young people. She was a Girl Scout leader and helped with Job’s Daughters and Boy Builders. She spent lots of time driving various kids to school and sport activities.
Wanda was a host grandmother to 7 AFS exchange students from Italy, Japan and Thailand. She said she got to learn about world cultures from her living room.
In her free time, Wanda was an avid reader. She enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and fill in puzzles. She also enjoyed doing handicrafts. She made many hairpin lace afghans and hooked many rugs.
Funeral service will be 11 am, Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home; visitation will be one hour before the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, IL.
Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home and Cremation Center is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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