Judith C. Collins

Judith C. Collins, age 71, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor from injuries sustained from a fall on the previous Sunday. Judy was born January 12, 1943 in Defiance, Ohio to the late Herman and Elodie Steffel. She graduated from St. John Elementary, Defiance High School, St. Vincent School or Nursing, and The University of Toledo. She obtained her RN certification and Bachelors degree then worked in emergency care at Flower and Toledo Hospitals. She later worked as a school nurse at Ladyfield Elementary School, St. Johns Jesuit High School, the Autism Academy, Emmanuel Baptist, the Islamic Center of Toledo, and most recently the Knight Academy. In 1966, Judy married Edward Ted Collins and they made their home in Toledo. She was active in the community, serving on the social justice committee at Blessed Sacrament Parish. She had a great love for music and enjoyed singing in numerous choir and chorale groups including the Blessed Sacrament choir, with whom she performed at Carnegie Hall in NY City. Judy was scheduled to sing with the church choir at the Basilica in Rome, Italy in December. She also served on committees for the Gretchen Gotthart Skeldon Foundation and was a member of the Ohio School Nurses Association and the Auxiliary at Bayview Yacht Club. She enjoyed sailing on Lake Erie. Judy was also preceded in death by her only sister, Ruth Ann Burkhart. She is survived by her husband, Ted; sons, Patrick and Bruce; and step daughter, Amy (Pete) Drool. She was also the proud grandmother of Jacob and Barbara who brought her much joy. Judy never stopped being a nurse and caring person to family, friends and others. She lived and practiced her faith, serving God in many ways and especially by her example. She will be sorely missed. Family and friends are invited to visit on Sunday from 2-8 p.m. in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) where a scripture service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 29, 2014 at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 4227 Bellevue, Toledo, where additional visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Committal will be private. It was Judys wish that you not send flowers. If you would like, in her memory, please donate to Most Blessed Sacrament Church or Outreach Program, Cherry Street Mission, Catholic Charities or the Food Bank of NW Ohio. Many thanks to Mr. Jim Stead and his paramedic friends for their great assistance. Ed would also like to thank the doctors and staff at the University of Michigan Trauma Center for their extraordinary and compassionate support during Judys care. Online condolences can be expressed to the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.