Donna Ann Collins

Donna Ann Collins, age 65, of Red Hook, passed away on New Year's Day at home, surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born on January 20, 1960, in Beacon, New York, Donna was the daughter of the late William Maher and Eleanor (Purdy) Maher.
On July 21, 1984, in Beacon, NY, Donna married the love of her life, Gary Collins, who survives her. Donna was a devoted member of United Methodist Church of Hyde Park, where her faith guided her life and her service to others.
Donna cherished life's simple pleasures. She especially enjoyed spending time at her camp in the Adirondacks with her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her beloved dogs. She treasured laughter shared with her close girlfriends and expressed her creativity through sewing, gardening, and crafting. Above all, Donna deeply loved her family and found her greatest joy in time spent together. She was a friend to all who knew her-a genuinely kind person who always saw the good in others and was willing to help anyone in need. To her family, she was a constant source of strength and love; she was the strongest person they knew.
After surviving cancer, Donna returned to work, first at Cardinal Hayes Children's Home and later at Downstate Correctional Facility. She took great pride in her calling as a nurse and firmly believed she was exactly where God wanted her to be-shining His light in a dark place while caring for those in need.
Donna is survived by her loving husband, Gary Collins; her children, Ryan Collins and his wife Tamara, Ashley Schlageter and her husband Andrew, and Chynna Collins; her cherished grandchildren, Lillian, Riley, Ember, and Leim; and her brother, Gary Mendez.
She is also survived by those she considered family in every way, Alice Frederick (Nana) and Sherry Balough (sister).
She was predeceased by her siblings, Mary Ellen Maher, William Maher, and Steven Maher.
A memorial service will be held at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 1 Church Street, Hyde Park, New York. The service date and time will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741-6704, or to the United Methodist Church of Hyde Park, 1 Church Street, Hyde Park, NY 12538.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Route 9, Hyde Park.
To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.