Karin Ann "Patti" Collins

With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, our family announces the passing of Karin Ann (Patti) Collins, 65, of Saint Cloud, Florida, formerly of Saint Joseph, Michigan. Our kind, brave, caring, and unimaginably strong wife, mother, grandmother, and sister entered Heaven’s gates on Sunday, March 19, 2023, after a tough battle with pancreatic cancer. Karin was born in April 1957, to Joseph and Arlene Patti. She and her sister Laura grew up in Saint Joseph, Michigan, where many cherished memories were created between the two of them over the years. After graduating from Lakeshore High School in 1975, Karin went to work for Dr. Kirk Lignell, an ophthalmologist in St. Joseph. In 1994, Karin married the love of her life, Phil Collins. They both had 3 beautiful children from previous marriages and were often called the Brady Bunch. Karin dedicated her life to motherhood and was the foundation of our family, through and through. She and Phil had a real life “Hallmark” love story. They moved to Florida in 2003 and enjoyed visiting their adult children and families, vacationing in Jamaica, visiting the ocean and taking long walks. During their 30+ years together, their genuine love and true devotion to each other was undeniable. Till death do us part, Phil fought the battle with his bride till her very last breath. Karin made it her mission to enrich and improve the lives of others. She was a beacon of joy, love, hope, and light. People were immediately drawn to her cheerful, friendly demeanor. Karin had such a positive impact on so many. She had an incredible love for her family and friends, supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. Whether that was a childhood friend, a coworker or grandchildren in their recitals or sports events. She will be missed greatly. Karin was preceded in death by her grandson, Alexander Michael DeLeeuw and her parents, Joseph & Arlene Patti. She is survived by her loving husband Phil Collins; children, Heather Vaughn, Brandon (Candice) DeLeeuw, Ryan (Tisha) DeLeeuw, Josh (Lindsey) Collins, Heather (JJ) Solfronk, and Sean Collins; grandchildren: Daniel & Matthew Vaughn, Xavier, Irelyn, & Lukas DeLeeuw, Ryan Jr. & Jacob DeLeeuw, Eiley, Lilia, & Jude Collins, Max Collins, Mahana Ashbrook, & Joseph Solfronk, and her sister Laura Pacheco, as well as beloved nephews, many cousins, and dear friends. The family wishes to send a special thank you to our amazing hospice nurse, Wendy, and the rest of the staff at Gentiva Hospice for their care and compassion. A Funeral Mass will be held in the summer of 2023, in St. Joseph Michigan. In lieu of flowers, Karin would want you to express your love to those around you.

Karin Ann "Patti" Collins

April 10, 1957 - March 19, 2023