Gloria Jean Collins

Gloria J. Collins, age 94, longtime resident of Northville, passed away September 11, 2023.  She was born on May 19, 1929 in San Antonio, Texas; daughter of James and Hilda (Ehrlich) Ray.  She met the love of her life, Raymond J. Collins, at a YMCA dance.  The two were married and they spent many years devoted to one another until his death on May 13, 1993.

Gloria graduated from Hughes High School in Cincinnati, Ohio; class of 1946.  She continued her education in the nursing program at Mount St. Joseph University in Delhi, Ohio where she was on the bowling team.  In 1949, Gloria officially became a nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati.  Throughout the years, Gloria worked at various hospitals in the metro Detroit area including St. Mary’s Hospital in Livonia.  She later went to work for the Northville Public Schools as the nurse for the high school.

Gloria was a member of St. John Episcopal Church in Plymouth.  She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Gloria was selfless and very giving of her time.  She was a founding member of the Northville Genealogical Society and served as president in 1985.  She completed impressive genealogical research on her own family and wrote a book with the results.  She shared her research skills and taught genealogy classes with the Northville Community Education Program.  Following the loss of two of her children in an accident, Gloria noticed the absence of support for grieving parents.  In turn, she started a local chapter of Bereaved Parents to help her, and others provide support for one another and learn to cope with such profound loss.  She later volunteered with Hospice of Southeast Michigan facilitating bereavement counseling.  Gloria enjoyed the time she spent ushering for the Fox, Gem, Masonic, and Michigan Opera Theaters.  She was an avid reader and among her favorite authors was James Patterson.  Talented at needle craft, Gloria knitted hats and mittens for the poor and created beautiful quilts.  She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend; she will be missed by all who loved her.

Gloria is survived by her loving son, Mark Collins; and her nephews, Bob Ray and Alan (Clarissa) Ray.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her daughter, Marcia; her son, Bradley; her son Dave; her parents; and her brother, Jim Ray.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Northville Genealogical Society , PO Box 932, Northville, MI 48167.