COLLINS, Carol H. Carol H Collins perished in the Tubbs Fire which ravaged Coffey Park and other parts of Santa Rosa on Monday, October 9, 2017. Carol was born in Louisville, Kentucky, of Thomas Hightower Collins and Peggy Carter Collins. She had a tough childhood, being shuttled between divorced parents, who were then in Chicago and Georgia, but grew into an independent, strong individual with a wicked sense of irreverent humor. Carol studied journalism at the University of Iowa, and pursued that career in Los Angeles and other venues for many years. She also owned an Office Supply store in Cloverdale before becoming a real estate agent in 1987, a career she has pursued successfully ever since. Carol has been with Century 21 for most of that time, and closed her last escrow with them days before her death. She worked as a volunteer for the Fireworks at the Fairgrounds for several years, (much to her step-children's youthful delight) and at the Sutter Hospice Thrift Store more recently. Carol is survived by three brothers; Kent Collins, (Bee) of Columbia, MO, Paul H. Collins, (Linda) of Tiger, GA, and Todd Collins (Susan) of Philadelphia; four step-children, Sandi Hamilton (William) in the Navy Reserves in Sparta, Wisconsin, six children, David Swasey (Jennifer) in the Navy in San Diego, CA, one child, Roxanne Swasey of Oakland, and Kim Johnson (Jake) of Lebanon, Ohio, two children; and by Jim Swasey, of Sonora, CA. She is also survived by many friends who loved her and will miss her terribly. One of her brothers remembers: "She was magic in some ways. She was gone for summers, living with her birth mother in Georgia, and then back with us, her three half-brothers, living in the Chicago suburbs. Appear and disappear, always with a flourish. She rode on an airliner in-and-out of Chicago - magic, back then. She was older, smarter, prettier each visit. The three brothers did not know if we should be delighted by her or if we should get out of her way. She was a bit glamorous and a bit demanding, but always magic." Typical of Carol, she wrote her own obituary, which is quoted here: "If you are reading this, I am dead. And no, I did not look this good when I checked out. "Born in the South, but raised primarily in Chicago, I had what can best be described as an "interesting" childhood. Fortunately, I was blessed with some talents and was successful in several professional fields. Unfortunately, I never stayed long with anything - jobs, houses, husbands or friends - until moving to Sonoma County in the late 1970s. "It has not always been easy being close to me, but I have been blessed with friends who taught me the meaning of love. Mary, Kris, Doris, Rosanne, Peggy, and others - thank you for being in my life. "Instead of feeling obligated to attend a memorial service - and there won't be one - contribute to a charity of your choice, and give a friend an extra hug today." As Carol requested (dictated) there will be no Memorial Service, but a celebration of her life will take place later, when Santa Rosa has recovered somewhat from this disaster in which she lost her life. Meanwhile, anyone wishing to remember her may make donations to the Sutter Hospice Thrift Store or to a charity of choice, also remembering the many service people who responded heroically to this disaster.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
We met Carol when we came to Santa Rosa in 1996. She sold us our home after spending an entire day viewing about 20 houses. She showed us Cloverdale, and I remember her saying she used to live there. Years later I reconnected with her at Parkpoint Health Club. She was always a little ball of energy, and I am so sad that she is gone. RIP Carol.
Maryjane Grotting
November 20, 2017
I had the pleasure of meeting Carol a little over ten years ago when I married her step-daughter Sandra. Never had I met such an outspoken woman who let you know exactly where she stood on her opinions, no matter yours! She and I had many great conversations, laughs, and good-natured jabs at each other since we were literally on opposite ends of the spectrum in almost every subject we could talk about! While passionate in her beliefs, she was always willing to listen to mine and discuss it in length. (Most of these conversations I was always on the losing end, but it was always worth it to hear her talk!)
I'm so glad that I got to spend time with her this year at her step-daughters wedding when Carol and I had the pleasure of walking Kimberly down the aisle together! Although it had been some time, it seemed like not a day had passed when her and I were back at it laughing, "discussing" politics, world views, family, and the path forward to the future.
I can truly say, she will be sorely missed, not only for her dominating spirit, and her outspokenness, but for her love for friends and her wicked wicked sense of humor!
William Hamilton
November 8, 2017
There are no words to describe this woman. She was one of my friends for life. Carol, I love you as always and wherever you are I know we will meet again.
Doris Rowlands
November 6, 2017
RIP carol.
Tracy
November 2, 2017
Prayers and condolences to Carols friends and family. May she rest in peace.
SR citizen
November 1, 2017
Sorry for the lost of your beloved one. May happy memories of her along with God"s loyal love sustain everyone of you. Psalms chapter 34.verse 18. SINCERELY YOURS .
Judith
October 29, 2017
In 2015, Carol created a scholarship for a graduating student that would attend the JC and pursue a career in the trades. She was vibrant, funny, bold and had a huge heart. She wanted to pay it forward and help a child have success in their future. I am so sorry to hear about her passing and send my deepest condolences to her entire family. Jenn Del Rosario
October 28, 2017
We'll miss your dancing and beautiful fun-filled spirit in class.
Margaret Turley ( Santa Rosa)
October 27, 2017
I'm very sorry for the loss of your dear one. May you draw comfort through these encouraging passages: 1Peter 5;6,7,Hosea 13:14
October 27, 2017
Carol and I volunteered together at the Sutter Hospice Thrift Store. She had a terrifically wicked sense of humor. I will miss her!
Kathleen Holcomb
October 25, 2017
Carol was our immediate neighbor on Hemlock Street. Kevin and I send our condolences to the family and many friends that she has left behind. She will be missed.
Sasha Butler
October 25, 2017
May you find peace, Carol!
Kathy
October 24, 2017
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