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Karen Collins Obituary
AGE: 69 • Red Bank
Karen (Casey) Collins, age 69, of Red Bank passed away December 1, 2015. Karen attended Marlboro Elementary School, Freehold High School, and graduated from Trenton State College (TCNJ) with a BA in Health and Physical Education. She was a Health and Physical Education teacher at Middletown High School North for 35 years. Karen was the Varsity Field Hockey Coach at North for 13 years with an overall record of 132-73-47. After retiring from coaching Field Hockey, she became the Varsity Golf Coach for many years. Karen was inducted into the Lions Hall of Fame in November 1994.
After retiring from teaching in 2003, she became a Monmouth County Park Ranger at Shark River Golf course for 5 years. An avid golfer, Karen won the Monmouth County Women's Championship 5 times. Karen was a part owner of the Shore Good Pancake House in Brick with her friends Rick and Toni Folgiano. She enjoyed interacting with the many friends she met at the Pancake house, as well as those she met while playing golf at Colts Neck Golf Course and the county courses.
Predeceased by her parents, Martin Kenneth and Mary Ellen Collins, she is survived by her brother Kenneth Collins and his wife Patricia of Natick, Massachusetts, niece Sarah E Collins of Orlando, Florida, cousins, and devoted friends.
Friends and relatives are invited for a Memorial Service on Sunday, December 6th at John Day Funeral Home, Red Bank, from 4-7pm, and graveside interment at St Rose of Lima Cemetery, 299 Freehold-Englishtown Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728 on Monday, December 7th at 11 am. In lieu of flowers it was Casey's wish that you do a good deed, give someone a smile, or donate to a charity of your choice in her memory. Please visit Karen's memorial website at www.johnedayfuneralhome.com
Nancy Curley
November 29, 2020
My best memory was sharing with her at my graduation party. I finally thought it was time to come clean. I had not been doing my run at the beginning of class.
I said I have a confession to make. KC replied what that you ran half way around the track and slipped out under the bleachers? Then rejoined on the last lap?
Lol she laughed and said she was on to me the whole time. She was really special.
Jim Hopkins
December 26, 2015
Casey was my Mom's Student Teacher at Middletown Township High School and one of the finest people I have ever known. My Mom and Dad loved her like family. Because of Casey, I returned to college and went to Law School...A tremendous impact on my life and I will love her forever. Jim Hopkins
Cecelia Truax/Basilotto
December 12, 2015
Ms Collins was a great teacher
A privilege to be her student
MTHS72
Gregg Wolff
December 9, 2015
First met Casey when she coached the Boys Golf team at North. She was a good player in her own right, which prompted me to ask her to work at Shark River Golf Course. She gladly accepted and we all thoroughly enjoyed her company for 5 years. Condolences from everyone at the golf course.
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jeannine ensign
December 7, 2015
Karen was my roommate at Trenton State and she and Bob taught together at Middletown North. She was a wonderful person who will be missed by all who knew her.
Bob and Jeannine
S. Elaine Blake-Chase
December 6, 2015
Karen was one of my classmates since 6th grade at Marlboro Central School. Always a delightful person. So glad to have had the chance to see her again at our high school reunions. Rest in Peace, Karen.
Stefanie DeFiglia
December 5, 2015
Me. Collins was my field hockey coach. She obviously loved the game and her players. She brought out the best in us with that booming voice of hers. She taught me so much about teamwork, focus, and discipline, lessons I have carried with me ever since. I remember that she caught me daydreaming one day in practice, "DeFiglia, go grab a leaf!!!" I had to run across the entire field and pull a maple leaf off the trees on the other side to prove I ran the entire length of the field. That was the first and last time I failed to do what she asked me to do. She was tough, but we loved and respected her. I remember her quite fondly... MNHS Class of '94
Linda Humes
December 5, 2015
Kar and I met in second grade. Marlboro girls we always will be. Never lived close but never lost touch. We traveled all over Europe and last year had a fabulous trip to Nashville and Graceland. She was always an extraordinary friend--kind, generous and so fun. I am forever grateful she was part of my life and will remember and miss her every day.
Jessica Montanaro
December 5, 2015
Very sad to hear about her passing , may she rest in peace.
Christina Dunbar
December 4, 2015
Ms. Collins was my cheerleading coach at MTHS. She made a difference in my life and many others. She was tough, funny, and super caring, great lady!
Lord, as your daughter comes home I know that you will say " you did good- my faithful servant." Please cover her family and friends with the peace that passes all understanding and comfort those who loved her with beautiful memories. In Jesus name, Amen
Christina Ray Dunbar MTHS '74
Sue Belgam
December 4, 2015
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. KC was an inspiration. She changed my life and for that I will always love her. She kept us Cheerleaders in line, not an easy task. Love you KC, Sue Belgam
Laurie Gentry
December 4, 2015
I was so sorry to hear this. I remember Ms. Collins well as she was my cheerleading coach at MTHS. She always inspired and expected the best from you.We all just loved her. She had a great sense of humor.I would run into her from time to time and she always made me smile. She will be missed.
My sincere sympathies to the family,
Laurie Sparrow Gentry MTHS Class 72
Susan (Metz) Rosenshine
December 4, 2015
After reading the tribute to Karen via her obituary, it is obvious hers was a life well lived. As a teacher and coach she impacted many lives. Sending condolences to her family and friends.
Lauren Erera
December 4, 2015
We will never forget Ms. Collins' passion for Lions field hockey! She instilled in us the discipline to practice, practice, practice - and focus on doing our best out on the field. I still remember (and smile about) her coaching points to this day - great stories and memories. To the Collins family - I am very sorry for your loss. Hopefully you can tell Casey was well-loved by all, and will be well-remembered, too. Lauren Erera, MNHS '92
Miriam Bienstock Frankel
December 4, 2015
Karen's life was a life well-lived; she made a lasting and positive impact on many lives. We are all a little poorer for her loss.
Condolences to her family and friends.
A classmate from FRHS
Alan K Jennings
December 4, 2015
Karen was my classmate and friend at FRHS for four years and she was my wife Barbara's Health & Physical education teacher at Middletown High School. Karen was also a fellow MCPS employee. So I feel we had a lot in common in life and I mourn her passing.
linda lee sparrow
December 4, 2015
Rest in peace Miss Collins...many fun memories of you at MTHS.It was also always good to see you at Vickis'.YOU. touched so many lives.. I'm off to do a good deed in your honor with a SMILE! Xo
December 4, 2015
One of the best of MTHS North. Condolences to her family & friends. Kathy Curley Brooks
Sunset Beach NC
Mark Saker
December 4, 2015
On behalf of all of Karen's classmates in the Class of 1964 of Freehold Regional High School, we express our deep sadness at Karen's passing after her long battle. She was a battler, but more importantly a devoted friend to all she knew, taught and coached. Her sense of humor and good cheer were legendary and will never be forgotten. She "made the day" for anyone with whom she had contact. She will be in our thoughts and prayers forever.
Lori Ecker
December 4, 2015
The Eckers will miss you dearly. Thanks for being part of our family and treating my kids so well. G & W, Matt and I love you very much.
Helen Boyce Kern
December 4, 2015
Karen,you will be missed by many was lucky to have you as a classmate till we meet again RIP, Helen Boyce Kern
Namcy Androvich
December 4, 2015
KC was one of the finest. She made my high school days so much brighter. I enjoyed her company even after leaving MTHS so was a very special woman and she will be missed.
Nancy Curley Androvich
Dottie Jones
December 4, 2015
I am going to miss you so much. You were one of my biggest role models and I will remember you always. Thank you for teaching us all so much. I love you. Until we meet again.
deborah maline - kempson
December 4, 2015
So sorry to hear of Miss Collins passing....She was a great teach and i always enjoyed her class.May you Rest In Peace....
Vicki Gudritz
December 4, 2015
One of my very favorite teachers...and a good friend as well. So sorry to hear of her passing.
Rose Gidget Marino
December 4, 2015
My heartfelt condolences for Ms. Collins family and loved ones. Ms. Collins was definitely one of the coolest gym teachers at North. She will be missed by many. Prayers sent to you K.C.
Tiesha M. Brown
December 4, 2015
Wow words cannot express how I feel right now. Thank you for always pushing me to do my best in gym class you will be missed dearly.
MaryBeth Hill
December 3, 2015
So very saddened to hear of the passing of Miss Collins. She was one of the best parts of my years at MTHSN. She made my Senior Year a memorable one! A dedicated teacher and friend who made everyone feel good about themselves with her encouraging words. God Bless her! She will be missed by many.
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85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701
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