Madeline Hatcher Collins

Madeline Hatcher Collins, 84, of Roanoke, Va., died on Thursday morning, December 3, 2009, at her home. She was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church and was retired from the United States Public Health Service, the nation's largest public health organization. Madeline spent most of her career in the public health field, first as a Doctor's Assistant in Roanoke and then as an employee of the National Center for Health Statistics in Washington, D.C., where she worked to improve health care delivery through the creation and implementation of statistical surveys of the entire U.S. population. Madeline was a member of the American Public Health Association. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jordan and Katherine Bolling Hatcher; and a sister, Doris H. Garrison. She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Everette M. Collins; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Barbara and Kenneth Spencer, of Roanoke, Va., and Delores and Meredith Van Valkenburgh, of Portland, Ore.; several special nieces and nephews, Kenny, Deborah, and Brian Spencer (and their spouses, Stacey, Brian, and Susan), Mark, Pete, Jef, and Julie Van Valkenburgh (and their spouses, Joyce, Pat, and Erin), Cindy Kerr (and husband, Bill), David Garrison (and his wife, Maureen), and Cleve Provost (and his wife, Charlotte). Madeline will be remembered for her kindness and strength and her spirit lives on in all our hearts. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 7, 2009, at St. Andrew's Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Thomas G. Miller and Philip Gallagher, Pastoral Associate officiating. Inurnment will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, Madeline would be honored by your donation to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1503 Michael Road, Richmond, Va. 23229-4899 or to Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, SW, Roanoke, Va. 24018. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service in the chapel at the church. Oakey's South Chapel & Crematory handling funeral service. 540-989-3131.