Surrounded by her children, Ann Elizabeth Collins (nee Mullen,) of Skaneateles, died peacefully in her home after a short illness on Friday March 31, 2023. Ann “Nancy” was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on May 9, 1929, to the late William and Nora Hyland Mullen. In 1951, she married the late Dr. George H. Collins, and they shared an amazing life together for over 60 years.
Nancy volunteered and contributed to many community organizations. She and her husband enjoyed classical music and spent many hours with friends playing bridge and tennis and exploring the Adirondacks as well as attending and hosting numerous family celebrations. Nancy was an excellent cook, kept up on current events and never tired of watching tennis on television or playing Sudoku. She was an avid reader, frequenting the library and a member of the Skaneateles Leisure Hour, a women’s book club started in 1892.
Beloved mother of six children; Cathy Burke (John) of Woodford, VA, Beth McNamara (Mark) of East Aurora, N.Y., Trish Collins (Bob Burke) of Concord, MA, Josh Collins (Mary Malaszek) of Hamden CT, Amy Kolcum (Brian) of Leesburg VA and Bill Collins of Skaneateles. She will be dearly missed by her 18 grandchildren: Sarah, Tay, Bryan, Josh, Georgie, Becca, Conor, Liam, Emily, Attie, Meghan, Zoe, Johathan, Dacheka, Xiu, Emmet, Mei, Agnes, and 14 greatgrandchildren. Nancy was predeceased by her five siblings: James Mullen of Cheshire CT, Marie Kelliher of Belmont, MA, Betty Shutts of Cheshire CT, Monsignor William Mullen of Hartford CT, Patricia Kelly Shaw of Weston VT. She also leaves countless nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of Peregrine Home Care Services for their exceptional dedication and Hospice of the Finger Lakes for providing comfort at the final stage of her life.
The family will host a private reception in honor of Mrs. Collins.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Skaneateles Ecumenical Food Pantry 819 West Genesee St. Rd., Skaneateles, NY, 13152, 315-685-5048.
