Update

I won't be going to Michigan after all. The services where yesterday, so it would have been really difficult to make it out there in time. I wish I could be there, but I feel better knowing that I was able to be with my dad the day he got the news. My really big disappointment is that I won't be able to make the Memorial being planned for her this summer in the upper peninsula because we'll be in Europe.

Here's my grandma's obituary. She had a pretty amazing life!

Collins, Mary Elizabeth (nee: Rogan) - died April 11th, at the age of 85. Mary was born in Calumet, MI on June 19, 1923 the fourth of seven children born to Elizabeth (nee: Polvi) and Howard Rogan.

Mary lived in Michigan her entire life and was the mother of ten children. She graduated valedictorian from Calumet High School. During the Second World War she worked at a Ford Assembly Plant as a “Rosie the Riveter” building bomber planes.

Mary (aka “Bahama Mama” and “Mary Sunshine”) was a very caring and generous person. Her life was spent serving others and giving. She was well respected and liked and will be sadly missed by her many friends and family. She loved bowling, golf and especially casino stops on her way to and from the Keweenaw Peninsula. She cheered the Pistons and Tigers and Michigan State during the Final Four.

Mary is survived by her children, Polly (Chip Hartinger) Skolarus, Mary Beth Pettinato; Pat (Wanda) Collins, Kevin (Carol) Collins, Kim (Glenn) Martin, Shawn (Mary Burgner) Collins, Kerry (Tony Hammonds) Barton, Michele (Richard) Daniels, Kathy (Bill) Diggs; 17 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren and her sister Rita “Deetz” Brulla;

She was preceded in death by her husband Henry Paul Collins; daughter, Candis Baggett; grandson, Patrick Pettinato; brothers, Paul, Norbert and Kevin Rogan; and sisters, Gertrude Miller and Ann Sturm.

Visitation will be Monday from 3-8pm with a 7 pm Rosary Recital at Temrowski Family Funeral Home, 500 Main St. Fenton. Mrs. Collins will lay in-state Tuesday 10:30 am until the time of her funeral Mass 11:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Fenton.

An additional memorial mass with be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Calumet, MI on July 7, 2009 at 10:30AM.