Irene Grace Collins, 84

DOVER - Irene Grace Collins, died Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at home surrounded by her devoted husband and her family. She was 84. Mrs. Collins was born December 17, 1924, in Congo, Ohio to the late Frank Tokie and Grace Toth Tokie. She spent her early years working on her family's farm with her 16 brothers and sisters. She was a military wife living on numerous bases including living in Occupied, Japan. Mrs. Collins was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, who loved and cherished her family and pets. She truly enjoyed being outdoors, working in her yard, bird watching, going for walks in the park, traveling to Florida and Ohio to spend time with family, cooking and crossword puzzles. Mrs. Collins had spent many years watching and traveling with her grandsons to their wrestling matches. Her loving nature and positive attitude will never be forgotten by the people who knew her. She leaves a lasting impression in her family's hearts and she will be truly missed. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Robert S. Collins II; and numerous brothers and sisters. Mrs. Collins is survived by her husband of almost 65 years, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.) Robert S. Collins Sr. of Dover; two sons, Geary W. Collins and his fiancé Winnie of Wilmington, and David L. Collins and his wife Emily of Indianlantic, Fla.; brother, John Tokie of New Lexington, Ohio; sisters, Ethel Dennison of Rushville, Ohio, and Marie Rutter of New Lexington, Ohio; grandchildren, Michael, Christopher, Brian, Hollis, Grace, Stuart and Hannah Collins; her aunt Julie; former daughter-in-law, Jeannie Collins of Middletown; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 12 noon Wednesday October 21, 2009, at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Rd. (Rt.10), Dover. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening. Interment will be at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the personnel of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Kent General Hospital and Delaware Hospice for the care and support throughout her courageous and remarkable battle with pancreatic cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE 19901; or Kent County SPCA, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19934. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.