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Leslie Collins Obituary
Leslie Alig Collins
64, passed away September 15, 2014, surrounded by her husband, children, sisters, and grandchildren at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis following a battle with breast cancer.
Leslie was born September 23, 1949, in Indianapolis to Eldon Lloyd and Gene Scheidenhelm Alig, the middle of three sisters.
A writer by trade, Leslie spent her career as managing editor for Gannett Publishing for many years. Her work tutoring and mentoring impoverished children at Neighborhood Fellowship, one of her passions, resulted in her book The Neighborhood, detailing the lives and triumphs of children living in poverty in an Indianapolis neighborhood.
In addition to writing, Leslie was heavily involved in her church, Zionsville Fellowship. For years, she served as a leader in Habits of the Heart, a ministry for women with young families. An active missionary, she traveled to Japan to share the gospel with people there. She was also part of the missions team at Zionsville Fellowship.
Leslie also loved her gardens, her family, The Players, The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, and the Indianapolis 500. She met her beloved husband, Robert K. Collins, while they worked together as photographers at the famed race.
Leslie was preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by her husband of 21 years, Robert K. Collins; sisters Cynthia Wacker and Marjory (Carl) Bates; daughter Courtney (Chad) Corcoran, sons Nathan (Erica) and Eric Jones; stepdaughter Kelly Collins-Curry (Scott), stepsons Josh, Kyle (Susan), and Andrew Collins; grandchildren Anna, Jacob, and Ryan Nguyen, and Ethan, Lennon, and Reagan Jones; step-grandchildren Madison and Jordan Potter; and Tyler, Kenan, Alyssia, and Kenzie Collins; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Leslie's life will take place Friday, September 19 from Noon to 3:00 p.m. in Zionsville Fellowship Church. A brief service will follow at 3:00 p.m. before burial at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Neighborhood Fellowship, 3102 E. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46201.
Arrangements entrusted to Crown Hill Funeral Home .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leslie Collins
Kate Keller
October 8, 2014
Leslie made me laugh from the first time I met her Spring of 2008. I loved her heart to see Muslims reached for Christ. I miss her already. Her perspective on her cancer amazed me. May her life bring others to Jesus Christ.
John Rufatto
September 22, 2014
Much sympathy to Bob and family. I can only smile when I think of Leslie. She was a WONDERFUL LADY!
David Lueck
September 21, 2014
Leslie's energy and positive attitude shown a light from her home across the street to ours. We shared a love of flowers and plants -- and I enjoyed so much being able to share the bounty of our gardens with Leslie (and Bob). We have been blessed by God to have had such an incredible neighbor -- and I know that Bob will remain one. While I will miss her presence, I know that she is another bright light with the Lord.
Dennis Royalty
September 19, 2014
Leslie, as a fellow member of the 9-23-1949 club, how I'll miss your fun birthday cards. More than that, your dedication, loyalty, and friendship. As I told Bob today, I treasure the fact that our lives intersected. You are missed but never forgotten.
Christina McGairk
September 19, 2014
I'm was so sad to hear about Leslie's passing. She was the first one to give me my start in the world of journalism. She had such a kind heart & such a zest for life. I will never forget her. Rest peacefully in Heaven Leslie.
Diane Saunders
September 19, 2014
I thank God for the privilege of knowing Leslie, and I am grateful for the opportunity to visit with her recently. The world was a better place because of her.
Chip Kalleen
September 18, 2014
It won't be the same without Les and her wonderful sense of humor, her endless Christian faith and her love and devotion to her family. She was such a powerful force and leaves such a great legacy. We mourn her loss but heaven rejoices in her arrival.
Bob Collins
September 17, 2014
My Dearest Beloved,
It was only four days ago when we where walking down the hospital corridor and where preparing me for this moment you would say don't worry hon every thing is going to be OK and we will get through this difficult time. The Lord is going to heal me one way or the other and if I go home to be with the lord you will be surrounded by His love.
The house is quiet now that at times it brings on despair,so I will say good night my love until we meet again.
Loving husband
September 17, 2014
We are so very sorry that Les has lost her battle to cancer but thankful that she was able to pass while surrounded by her family. She will be greatly missed by so many people. We feel blessed to have known her and know that she is in God's hands now. Jan and Jim Gouldd
Sue Wickliff
September 17, 2014
In this case "Les" was more. Always bigger than life and the kind of spirit that made a room light up! Always witty, always encouraging, always positive. What a tremendous loss for us, but an amazing addition to heaven. I loved her dearly and will miss her ever present kindness.
Katharine Lange
September 17, 2014
Dear Alig sisters,
We have lost a wonderful valuable woman. I have many fond memories of Leslie. I'll be out East, so will not be at the services. I will be there in spirit and will continue to pray for you.
Anne Foster
September 17, 2014
I love and miss you my dearest cousin and sister!
Anne Foster
September 17, 2014
Our deepest sympathies and sorrow in your loss. She will always be in my heart and I'll miss her always.
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