Alice Hagerman Collins

Alice Hagerman Collins died November 9, 2013 at the Whitcomb Towers in St. Joseph, MI at the age of 99. She was born on June 3, 1914 in Chicago. On June 6, 1942 she married Howard J. Collins who preceded her in death on July 18, 1995. Mrs. Collins was a long time elementary teacher having taught at the Gard School in Berrien County, Coldwater Public Schools, Coloma Public Schools, Fairplain Schools and St. Joseph Public Schools, retiring from the latter after 21 years service in 1974. For 20 years she was a docent at Morton House Museum, and a member of the executive board of the BH/SJ Federation of Women’s Clubs. She was a current member of the Michigan Education Association, Berrien County Association of Retired School Personnel, Monday Musical, Krasl Art Center, Fort Miami Heritage Society, and Mary Martha of the First Congregational Church of St. Joseph, as well as a former member of AAUW, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Alpha Beta Epsilon. Finding possible prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, and help for caregivers was a primary concern to Mrs. Collins. She was a member of the North Berrien County Alzheimer’s Support Group. Survivors are Norman H. Collins (Melanie) of East Grand Rapids, Mrs. John Spear (Carolyn) of Fairfax Station, VA; five grandchildren including Corrine Pawlowski, Paul Collins, Shawn Spear, Adam Spear, Emily Bearse, and 9 great grandchildren. Cremation has taken place with burial in Lincoln Township Cemetery. There will be a memorial service at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 1:00pm. Friends may visit one hour prior to service time. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church of St. Joseph. Those wishing to share a memory of Alice may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.