Barbara G. Collins

Barbara G. Collins obituary, Eagle River, WI

Barbara G. Collins

Barbara Collins Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home & Alpha Crematory on Nov. 10, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Barbara G. Collins
November 20, 1937 – November 7, 2025
Barbara G. Collins, age 87, of Eagle River, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, at Milestone Senior Living in Eagle River.
Barb was born on November 20, 1937, in Waukegan, Illinois, the daughter of James and Agnes (DeVries) Dudink. In 1961, she married the love of her life, James "Jim" Collins, and together they moved to Eagle River to build a home and family rooted in love, hard work, and community. Barb and Jim shared 58 wonderful years together, filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. Since Jim's passing in 2009, there wasn't a day that went by that Barb didn't miss him dearly.
Barb was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim, as well as by her parents and her sister, Joan (Dudink) Smitala. She is survived by her sons Chris (Karla) of Conover, WI; Jerry (Dana) of Minocqua, WI; JT (Sally) of Westerville, OH; and Mike (Heather) of Antigo, WI. She also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren-Kit, Jake, and Annie-who brought her so much joy.
Barb will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, devotion to her family, and the love she gave so freely. Her quiet strength, sense of humor, and loving heart touched all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, to honor Barb and share memories of a life so well lived and so deeply loved.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Barbara's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Barbara Collins's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Barbara Collins's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?