Marion Anne Collins
Marion Anne Collins (nee McWilliams), 91, of Fork Union passed away peacefully in her sleep, Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Oakhurst Health and Rehabilitation.
Marion, native to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was born on September 7, 1932, to the late Paul and Vera (nee Lamb) McWilliams.
Marion married Bruce Collins in Chapleau, Ontario, Canada on November 22, 1956. They had three children, Margo Collins Wallen, Paul Collins (deceased), and Allen Collins.
Marion was a Nurse, graduating from “The Hospital for Sick Kids”, in Toronto. After marrying Bruce, and upon the birth of her first child, Margo, she left her career to care for her children and home. In 1966, she and Bruce immigrated from Canada to the USA, moving to California, and as Bruce’s career grew, they would move several times, and several states, before settling in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 1977.
Marion was the most wonderful mom, and she was the World’s Best Homemaker! Marion was passionate about her children and grandchildren, loved to sew, was a founding member of the Tidewater Quilters group, and upon the death of her husband, Bruce, Marion decided to return to school, graduating Sum A Com Laude from Old Dominion University with a bachelor’s degree in fine art, with a major in painting. Upon graduating from ODU, Marion attended Bard College in New York to get her master’s degree in fine art. Upon completing her education, Marion then worked as the Director of Information at the United Way in Charlottesville, Virginia until retiring in 1999.
In addition to her parents, Marion was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Collins, her son Paul Collins, her parents, Paul and Vera McWilliams, and brother Chuck McWilliams.
Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter, Margo Collins Wallen, and son Allen Collins, granddaughters, Stephanie Wallen and her husband, grandson-in-law Shane Dyke,Tara Wallen Weathersbee, Laurel Wallen Sampson, Amanda Collins, her grandson Nick Collins, 9 great granddaughters, 5 great grandsons, 1 great great grandson, her sister Barbara Hazel, brother Gary McWilliams, and several nieces and nephews. Marion adored her family, loved her children and grandchildren, and the memories she leaves behind are full of love, laughter, and lots of fun adventures.
The family will hold a private celebration of Marion’s life at a later date.
Should you wish to send flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation in Marion’s honor to the charity of your choice that supports Alzheimer’s research, Aids research, or Autism research.
The family would like to express extreme gratitude to the staff at Oakhurst Health and Rehabilitation for all of the wonderful and loving care Marion received over her 10 years with them.
