She attended the Governor Morehead School for the Blind before building a career as a dedicated medical transcriber. She generously volunteered her time with the North Carolina State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and in recognition of her contributions, she was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation by the governor in 2009. Mostly, Maria found joy in reading, music, watching Jeopardy!, and most of all, spending time with her large and loving family.
She is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Isaac Stephen Collins; her deeply loved guide dogs, Vanessa and Jasmine; and her parents and siblings.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Linda Kathlene Ellison, and son-in-law, Mark Jude Ellison; her four cherished grandchildren, Stephen Patrick Ellison, Kristen Brook Bair, Mark Alexander Ellison, and Jenna Kathlene Ellison, along with their spouses; and eight adored great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to the Governor Morehead School for the Blind or the Seeing Eye at https://seeingeye.org/.
