Marian Collins
January 28, 1935 - October 16, 2024
Marian R. Collins, age 89, of Elko New Market, died peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Marian was born on January 28, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Michael and Ruth (Hulbert) Fadden. Her family moved to Minnesota when Marian was nine. Her brother, Tom, became best friends with Robert Collins, shortly after meeting him at Holy Rosary grade School. Marian caught Robert’s attention in high school, St. Margaret’s Academy, and the two eventually married on February 20, 1954, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. They moved to Elko New Market in 1973 and Marian worked for a short time at Thermo King and the majority of her career as a mail clerk for Toro Company in Bloomington.
Marian enjoyed visiting antique shops and was a collector of all things “vintage”. She took up sewing in the form of mending and valued getting the most out of the lifetime of a garment. Marian was extremely proud of her Irish heritage, loving the music of Phil Coulter, and taking every opportunity to travel to Ireland throughout her life. Her family was the center of her life and her loss will be greatly felt.
Marian is survived by her husband of 70 years, Robert “Bob” Collins of Elko New Market; children, Kathy (Reg) Pavlak of Woodbury, Mary (Rick) Richter of Rogers, Tim (Cindy) Collins of Scottsdale, AZ, Maureen Collins of Maplewood, Tom (Gina) Collins of Farmington; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by granddaughter, Lindsey Collins; siblings, Tom Fadden, Beth Anderson, Jim Franke, Bob Franke.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Agnes Catholic Church in St. Paul, with her grandson, Father Mark Pavlak officiating. Visitation will be held at church from 9:30 – 10:30, with a rosary at 10:30. Lunch will follow Mass in the church basement and burial at St. Nicholas Cemetery in Elko New Market at 2:00 PM.
Deepest condolences to Bob and family. Marian was a wonderful woman and will be missed. I will miss her yearly Saint Patrick Day cards. Rest in peace dear lady.
I have so many memories of Marion at The Toro Company. She touched so many lives there and will always be remembered for her Christmas gift wrapping campaign to raise money for St Agnes.
Tim and siblings/family, so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of working with your Mom at Toro.
I will miss our conversations we had regarding my father’s youth and all the information Aunt Marian shared with me regarding our family history. Marian was a wonderful aunt to me!