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BORN
1930
DIED
2020
Esther Collins Obituary
January 7, 1930 - April 14, 2020
San Diego - Esther Frances Theriot Shiell Collins was born January 7, 1930, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to William and Esther Shiell. Esther passed away peacefully at her home in San Diego on April 14, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.Esther dedicated her life to being a supportive and loving wife to her Naval officer husband, RADM Frank C. Collins, Jr., and a devoted mother to their seven children: Lucy Silveira (Rick), Sue Hekman (Ed), Francene Green (Thom), Virginia Friesen (Paul), Melissa Collins, Laura Leach (David), and Frank C. Collins III (Beth). Her 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren brought incalculable joy to her golden years.While stationed in Tehran in 1978, Esther and Frank had a significant impact on the Iranian Naval community as Frank was the U.S. Naval Advisor to the Shah before his overthrow and the subsequent revolution. In the succeeding years, Frank and Esther helped transition a number of exiled Iranian Naval officers to life in America. Esther and Frank were devoted to a wonderful group of displaced Iranians, and are held in the highest esteem by them to this day.Esther's belief in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior sustained her throughout her life; she was a strong woman, full of wisdom and stature and created a legacy of faithfulness. Her loving heart touched many and she will be deeply missed and never forgotten.Due to the pandemic, Esther's interment next to her husband, Frank, at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery will be scheduled when her children can gather. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either Home Improvement Ministries (himweb.org) or Bring Change to Mind (bringchange2mind.org).
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Memories and Condolences
for Esther Collins
Carol J Dykhouse
June 4, 2020
I just listened to the "zoom" service -- it was very moving. My sympathy all over again is with the Collins family as they mourn their mom and grandmother and friend. She was a VERY special person, one I will never forget -- look forward to seeing her in heaven !
Lois Vander Wel
May 29, 2020
What a beautiful tribute to your Mother, a very remarkable woman. It was my privilege to know her and visit her a number of times with my sister-in-law Sue whenever I was in So. California. She will be missed!
May 13, 2020
She was a beautiful,special lady who touched so many lives in a warm & loving manner. Her love of God was very evident in how she lived her life. She will be missed but live on in the memory of so many.
Letty Lewis
May 12, 2020
I met our beloved Esther when I was 13 years old. Lucy had picked me to be on her volleyball team at school. Soon after she invited me to her house for her 13th Birthday pizza party. Esther made us homemade pizza like nothing I had ever tasted before in my life. I have been on the Collins team ever since. Esther was like a mother to me. She was a special friend. I loved our conversations. When she spoke, she spoke with softness-yet I could feel her strength and the connection that she had with God. Esther was a sweet and kind human being- a true Woman of Valor.
I will miss her forever.
Lois Andrews
May 10, 2020
Esther was a loving prayer partner to my family, a friend and inspiration of how we can live our lives to reflect the glory of God. Her family bears a legacy of faith and work well done. I will miss her.
Kingsley McLaren
May 10, 2020
You could feel Christ's presence when in the company of Esther Collins. She was more than a friend, she was my prayer warrior. May her memory continue to inspire!
Tom & Sherry Testaverde
May 7, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I know you have many beautiful memories to help you through this difficult time.
Joan DeWindt
May 7, 2020
She was a woman whose children could truly rise up and call her blessed. She was a blessing to her beloved husband, to her loving children and their spouses and to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. And friends of many years can testify to the blessing she was in their lives. She is to be honored.
Dr. Reza and Negi Safarian
May 5, 2020
We really enjoyed the opportunities to know Admiral Frank and Esther Collins through the years. We always remember their unconditional kindness and friendship. Esther loved watching football and always after San Diego Chargers game we would call each other and had a joyful conversation. We will miss her greatly and always remember the good memories and her friendly and warm smile.
Vickie Milliken
May 5, 2020
What a sweet wonderful lady. I have such lovely memories of Mrs Collins. All the visits and conversations I have had with her over the years were such a joy. The trip that Francene and I made together to see her in San Diego was a highlight of my life. I cannot thank Mrs Collins enough for being such a prayer warrior, especially Praying over my life. A sweet lady that loved and gave so much of herself. The love she had for Jesus radiated throughout her life. Your legacy lives on, Thank you for the gift of my best friend Francene.
Mike & Stacy Simmons
May 4, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family and circle of friends. We know from Frank's wonderful stories how precious a lady she was.
Michiko
May 3, 2020
Such a strong and consistent woman. I marvel at her legacy to so many family members and friends. A good life and a glorious future.
Goli Sotudeh
May 2, 2020
Mrs. Collins, our dear sister and friend, an angel from the sky and the light of happiness in life for everyone, especially the Imperial Iranian Navy community of family and friends. We will never forget all the gatherings such as Christmas dinners in your beautiful home ... all the delicious food, joyous camaraderie, and exchange of gifts. Your beautiful face would always glow and your voice was truly comforting. We will miss you my sister and hope that you rest in peace, hand in hand, with our dear brother Admiral Collins. You are in the hearts of our family members forever. Love you always! - Goli & Sia
Ruth Baratto
May 2, 2020
What a beautiful Memorial Service it was for our dear Esther today. She was a good and faithful service and she will be rewarded for it in Gods Kingdom. It was such a blessing to be her friend. Her legacy will be carried on by her loving family.
Eve & Fred Alavi
May 2, 2020
She was a great lady and pure loving soul .Genuine and strong.Knowing her and her great husband was our good fortune.
She will be missed. Rest in pease our lovely friend .
Carroll, Claudia and Libby Cardwell
May 2, 2020
It was a beautiful memorial to your mama
Mildred (Midge) Theriot Boudreaux Stewart Family
May 2, 2020
Cousins Esther, Alta and our mother, Midge, enjoyed growing up together. Throughout the years, Esther kept in touch with Mom and called weekly the last few years Mom was with us. She looked forward those calls so much each Sunday. Esther was such a beautiful and loving person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Masses are being said in her memory.
Your cousins,
Ridley, Mark and Steve Boudreaux, Lynne B. Parks, Robin B. Authement
Rokhi Movaghari
May 2, 2020
What an amazing woman and what a wonderful ceremony her beautiful family had today! We are very blessed to have known Mrs. Collins and the great Admiral! With all our love, Rokhi, Jamshid, Sara and Sam
Frank Collins IV
May 2, 2020
Thank you to all the aunts and uncles for a beautiful Zoom memorial service. Sad to not be able to pop in for a visit anymore, but joyous for her on her next journey in death. Was lucky to grow up so close to Grandma and Grandpa as a child, and continue to have them close in my life as I started adulthood in San Diego. Miss you Grandma.
Love,
Frank IV and Will
Frank Phillips
May 2, 2020
Aunt Esther was an amazing person and a wonderful aunt. She was loving and always so gracious, quick witted with a wonderful sense of humor. I really enjoyed the opportunities we had to spend time with the Collins family, and I treasure my memories of those times spent together. Aunt Esther's late husband, RADM Frank C. Collins, was my mother Alice Collins Phillips' only brother, and I especially enjoyed the conversations my parents Cecil and Alice Phillips would have with Uncle Frank and Aunt Esther. They were always very positive and froth with humor. Aunt Esther was a true lady, had amazing character, and a genuine love for Christ that she always exemplified in so many ways. I feel it a great honor and privilege to be her nephew, and that of her late husband. We shall dearly miss our sweet Aunt Esther! Our prayers and love go out to the entire Collins and Shiell families.
Beth Smith
May 2, 2020
So thankful for the times we were able to be part of family gatherings as well as visits with Esther in her home the last few years.
Missing her great humor, warmth and charm! Was blessed to share in prayer with her on a number of occasions. Although it is difficult to not have her with us, so thankful that she is in the arms of her Lord and Savior. Thoughts, Love and Prayers are with all of you, her Beloved Family.
Wayne & Carol Herbst
May 2, 2020
We appreciated Esther's hospitality toward us through the years and enjoyed those times we had together with her and Frank and family. We were thankful to be a part of the service today.
Lisa Moore
May 2, 2020
A woman who showed us what it is like to love life, god and her family like no one else can. Enjoy that special mansion in heaven with the true love of your life your husland Frank
Pam Finley
May 2, 2020
Your mom was such an amazing woman! I loved the chats about Christ, she was such a strong woman of faith. Im trying to be like her and my grandmother, women to watch and live like. You all were so good to her, she would relay that to me. She would talk about all you all did for her, and how proud she was of her amazing children, their spouses, her grandchildren, and great-grandkids. She was always bright and positive. I will miss her greatly, and I miss walking Saylor and visiting with your mom daily. I loved baking her goodies, and she loved endulging every now and then.
Blessings to you all, Im praying for peace. I can see your mom now, enjoying heaven with your dad!
Michelle Clyburn
May 2, 2020
To the Collins Family, My love and prayers have been with you a long time. Momma C to me has been and example to me almost all of my adult life. Her smile always greeted me when I would visit my BFF Melissa. She loved and respected me for some reason, and for that I'm grateful. See ya later Momma C!!
Jackie Luzier
May 2, 2020
I was so honored, blessed and humbled to have been Moms 7th daughter for the past 50 years. Her love, guidance and strength truly shaped my life and because of the way she and Dad lived their faith, I have have the assurance of seeing them in Heaven. Mom, you will be missed by so many and I love you very much.
Sotudeh Family
May 1, 2020
Esther will forever remain a beacon of hope for the Imperial Iranian Navy community in the United States. Both she and Admiral Collins took direct action in showing life-altering support and unconditional love at a time when many families, like ours, were acclimating to unforeseen circumstances post-revolution. Their life-long passion to serve others is etched deep in our hearts, as we strive to pay it forward to those who cross our paths daily. We love you dearly and know that two of the most compassionate angels have reunited and are looking over us in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.
Rev. Dr. Andrea Godwin-Stremler
April 28, 2020
Esther was an integral part of my spiritual development as Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, and mostly as part of our church family. She loved, nurtured, and celebrated with all the children of our church. Her legacy lives on in her children, grand and great grandchildren, and in all the children she loved and taught. She loved Jesus and passed that strong, deep, love to countless others, including me. Thank you Esther!
The family
April 27, 2020
Esther and Frank were wonderful neighbors in Alexandria, VA. Hearts of gold. Nothing but the fondest memories. Truly a celebration of a life well lived! Prayers to Esthers family and friends for Gods grace, mercy and blessings.
Capt. & Mrs. James Barton
April 27, 2020
This really marks the end of a chapter in history. Esther was the consummate naval officer's wife and mother.
Her husband Frank was our very first commanding officer. As newlyweds, Colleen and I were dreading the requirement to pay an official call on the Captain and his wife at their home in Chula Vista. We went with another newlywed couple who reported to the ship the same day we had. We were met with such warmth and kindness.
Esther became a true inspiration and mentor. When the ship departed for Hawaiian training areas, Esther organized some of the wives including Colleen to join us there for a week or so visit. We remember it as the honeymoon we could not take before reporting to the ship in July 1968 a few days after we were married. And over the next year Esther was the leader for the Wardroom wives. She was also very much an example of how to balance the difficulties of raising a large family and maintaining the household in spite of her sailor's long absences at sea. She was the glue as we say through many hardships. Yet she shared such a strong bond based on pure love with her husband Frank. She was an inspiration.
Over the years we maintained our friendship with Frank and Esther and they enjoyed with us the successes we achieved in our naval career and the places we lived.
It was a particular joy to reunite at gatherings of USS John A. Bole (DD-755) crew members until Frank could no longer attend due to his health.
But we continued our close contact and whenever we could, we would arrange visits after they moved from Alexandria to San Diego.
Esther was such a kind and loving lady. She had a fervent belief in the Lord. She loved her family and her husband. If you were lucky to be her friend, it was a strong and loving friendship. Colleen and I cherished her friendship and love.
She was family and while we know she has found peace and comfort with the Lord and in her reunion with Frank, we shall miss her presence here with us.
Goodbye for now Esther. We love you.
Celia Kibler
April 27, 2020
What a wonderful life she lived with her beautiful family having raised one of my favorite humans on earth, Melissa. Your light Esther shines through in all of these wonderful children and their children, that makeup your family. Now enjoy being with your husband again. ❤
Paula Scofield
April 26, 2020
A wonderful woman who touched her family and her world for Gods kingdom. She left a wonderful legacy for her family. We all rejoice that she is reunited with her Lord and her beloved husband Frank.
Dawn Elders
April 26, 2020
What a legacy this woman leaves on earth and what a welcome she must have recieved at heaven's gate! May her family and all those that loved her be comforted with the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Lucy Silveira
April 26, 2020
Mom, you are missed here on earth. I know that you are rejoicing in Heaven. Thanks for all your love and wisdom throughout my life. Lucy
MELISSA COLLINS
April 26, 2020
Miss you and love you forever. See you in Glory one day!!! All my love, #5, Melissa
Lisa Moore
April 26, 2020
To a beautiful woman that will be always missed. May you and RADM Frank continue to hold hands and keep dancing!
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