IN MEMORIAM: Phyllis Walrath Collins, 94;

Past Girl-Scout, 4-H Leader In Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – Phyllis  Walrath Collins, 94, active in the community as a past Girl Scout and 4-H leader, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, Oct. 16, 2019, at home in the arms of her loving daughter Pat.

She was born on Dec. 11, 1924 in Schenectady, a daughter of the late Dwight and Florence Matthews Walrath.  Raised in Schenectady and Jordanville, she graduated from Van Hornesville Central School with the Class of 1942.

On Oct. 30, 1944, she married Chester Collins in Blessed Sacrament Church, Springfield.  They shared a loving and devoted union of 56 years until his passing on Dec. 30, 2007.   For many years, she was a nurse’s aide at Bassett Hospital, retiring in 1971.

Phyllis was well known in the community, having served as a past 4-H Leader and Girl Scout Leader as well as supporting all  baseball games her husband umpired.   She had many talents enjoying quilting, crafting, painting, sewing, baking breads and more recently making bracelets for her family and friends.

She will be remembered as a sweet gentle lady who always had a smile.  She was the backbone for her family always proud to support her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at their school and sport activities.   She will remain in their hearts and will always be cherished.

Surviving are two sons and their wives, Richard and Johanna Collins of Springfield, and William and Linda Collins of Richfield Springs; three daughters and their husbands, Barbara and Patrick Wilkerson of Kittyhawk, N.C., Patricia and Allan Pullis of Springfield, Karen and Nelson Weidenbaugh of Chugiak, Alaska; one sister, Sandra Coffin and her husband Edward of Poland, 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren,  and one great-great-grandson; a daughter-in-law, Karen Collins of Richfield Springs, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents and husband Chet, she was preceded in death by her son, Chester “Skip” Collin on Jan. 3 of this year;  two brothers, James and Harold Walrath, two sisters, Emma Jean Allen , Winnie Van Natten   and a daughter-in-law, Mary Alice Collins.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held today at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Cherry Valley.  Interment followed Springfield Center Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made with donations to the Springfield Emergence Squad, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, or Helios Care Compassion Choices and Dignity (formerly known as Catskill Area Hospice.)   Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.