Cora Jane Collins

Cora Jane Collins

Age 77 of Wilmington, Illinois, formerly of Cicero and Crestwood, Illinois, died Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois.

Born June 15, 1948 in Harlan, Kentucky, Cora Jane's family relocated to Chicagoland when she was young and settled in Cicero. She graduated from J. Sterling Morton East High School with the Class of 1966, and began her career in Chicago. Cora worked for many years in office administration before shifting to being a payroll clerk for several large law firms throughout Chicago. She lived for many years in Crestwood and attended St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church in Worth, Illinois. After retirement, she relocated to Wilmington in 2002 and attended Grace Lutheran Church in Wilmington.

Cora loved to spend her time outdoors hunting and fishing throughout Will and Grundy counties, and traveling for clay pigeon shooting competitions. She was great in the kitchen; enjoying preparing anything they were able to catch on their trips, and she had quite the green thumb and took great pleasure in growing her vegetable garden. Living in Shadow Lakes reminded her fondly of those trips to Wisconsin, and she came to find living there very peaceful. Cora had a fun personality and will be remembered fondly for the joy she brought to people's lives.

Survivors include her husband, Daniel Hill of Wilmington; two sisters: Barbara (Jeff) Krug of Lombard, Illinois and Shirley (the late James) Gutierrez of California; as well as four nieces, including Jackie Krug and Debbie (Norm) Corsi, who was always very near and dear to her heart.

Cora was preceded in death by her parents, Mattie Collins and Jerry DeCicco; and one brother, Jerry DeCicco, Jr.

Per Cora's wishes, cremation rites are being accorded, and a Celebration of her Life is being planned for a later date.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guestbook, upload photographs, and share Cora’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland, & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)