Mary Anne Collins-Svoboda

Force of nature. Life of the party. Social butterfly. These are a few words used by those who knew her to describe Mary Anne Collins-Svoboda, 79, of Stockholm WI, who passed away July 7, with family and friends by her side. A celebration of life will be held on August 26, from 3-6 p.m., at the Village of Stockholm Park (more info at https://fb.me/e/1kNfVdNal).

Mary Anne was born July 1, 1944, and spent early years in Elroy, WI, before her family moved to Eau Claire, WI, where she graduated from Regis High School in 1962. Mary Anne was an entrepreneur and creative. In 1985, Mary Anne and her husband Tim opened Amish Country Quilts & Furniture in Stockholm, WI. For nearly 20 years, Mary Anne's love of people, gregarious nature, and talents with design contributed to the success of the business.

Known for her sharp wit and mischievous spirit, she was very active in her community. Mary Anne promoted the region by starting various tourism initiatives and was a certified event planner. She also mentored other business owners, launched a Dog Days event to promote pet adoption, supported the local Alano club, and served on the Township Board. Throughout her life, Mary Anne also loved travel, live music and festivals, and reading. Mary Anne enjoyed fun times spent with family and friends. She will be missed by many.

Mary Anne is survived by her husband, Tim Svoboda; her daughters Tori (Kenny Hills) and Erica; stepdaughter Sonja Hall; and siblings Sheila (Chris Reisdorf), Jim (Maribeth Raullerson), Pat (Lucy McNellis), and Dan (Paula Collins). She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe & Vi Collins; her sister Jane; her first husband Duane Brohaugh; and their daughter, Jenny. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pepin County Humane Society (https://www.facebook.com/PepinCountyHumaneSociety/).