Marjorie Louise Collins

Marjorie Louise “Margie” (nee, Grant) Collins, 90, of Belleville, IL, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024, at Freeburg Care Center, in Freeburg, IL Born on February 18, 1934, on Gains Farm near Lutesville, Missouri, to the late Paul Milton and Furn Estelle (nee Eaker) Grant. She grew up with a strong sense of family that she carried throughout her life.

Margie married the love of her life, Earl C. Collins on May 28, 1949, in Piggott, Arkansas, with their mothers in tow, since both were underage. They celebrated 59 years of marriage, before Earl’s passing in 2008.

Margie is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ernest (Lois) Elledge, Norman Elledge, Jerry Grant, Ellis (Ruth Ann) Grant and Daniel Grant; grandson, Theodore “Teddy” Daniels.

A devoted mother and Mammaw, Margie cherished her family above all else. She is survived by her daughters, Katherine LaRose of Belleville, IL and Anette (Ted) Daniels of St. Charles, MO; her sons, Robert (Jeanette) Collins of Belleville, IL, Harold (Janet) Collins of Columbia, IL, and Paul (Emily) Collins of Mary Esther, FL; her grandchildren, Christopher (Shaney) Malacarne, Daniel (Megan) Malacarne, Patrick (Jennifer Noltkamper) Malacarne, Bunny Collins, Andrew (Brandie) Collins, Grant Collins, Heather (Zachary) Bennett, Lauren (Michael) Crepps and Kristen (Daniel S.) Crockett; great grandchildren, Paul Malacarne, Elle Malacarne, Zoey Malacarne, P.J. Malacarne, Kara Collins, Oliver Malacarne, Maeve Bennett, Natalie Crepps, Zelia Bennett, Owen Crockett and Garrett Crepps who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her sister, Freida (Dennis) Hahn; her sisters in law, Melba Elledge, Iva Mae Grant and Deanna Grant; numerous nieces and nephews.

She loved the St. Louis Cardinals, sewing, baking, yard sales, gardening and hosting family gatherings that created lasting memories. She is most known for the delicious hamburgers that she made every Friday night for her family and for any other guests.

Margie had a special talent for making people feel seen and valued, always ready with a kind word or a listening ear.

A Celebration of Marjorie’s life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Valhalla Gaerdner-Holten Funeral Home with visitation from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Margie’s kindness, strength, and unwavering spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire generations.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Alzheimer research at: https://www.alz.org/greatermissouri