What memories fill my heart when I think of the Evie Collins.  Loving, Hugging, Full of Fun, Compassionate…these are just a few of the adjectives that flood though my mind.  But as I think of “Auntie Evie,” I also think of the entire Collins family: Bill, Gary, Diane, Beth, Tom and Dolwyn and the many summers of fun they shared with my family, the Almys.

One of my earliest memories, although it is not my memory but rather a story I was often told by Evie, occurred when I was a baby staying with the Collins when my brother, Dave, was born.  Gary was watching over me.  He ran in to see his mother shouting, “Mary Beth just said her first word.  She said ‘Eh’!”

The laughter and fun we shared at Christie Lake…camp fires, giggling late into the night, boating, swimming and even us girls skinny-dipping one night.  The hugs and love we each received repeatedly throughout the day whenever we were fortunate to visit Evie in Winchester.

Evie, you will be deeply missed by your wonderful family and friends, for you truly were a wonderful woman, a true matriarch, and an example of faith.  Now, you are in the loving arms of God with all those who preceded you.   May God’s loving presence and peace be with each one you’ve left behind.

Mary Beth Cote (nee: Almy)