Mary Collins Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Mary Ellen was born February 28, 1939 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Joseph and Stella (Kane) Kennedy. She graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh in 1957. She obtained her bachelor's degree in English from Villamaria College, her master's degree and later her Ph D. in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh.
On September 29, 1984 she married Orpha Collins in Lafayette. He preceded her in death on May 1, 2001.
Mary Ellen was a Librarian at the Purdue Library for 29 years before retiring in 1999. She was a member of Faith Church, American Association of University Women, American Association of University Professors, American Library Association, Indiana Library Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Tippecanoe County Historical Society, Bible Study Fellowship, Dulcimer Gathering. She enjoyed painting, photography and writing. Mary Ellen was a very beloved sister, aunt and cousin.
Surviving are her siblings: Kate (husband, Ken) Marx of Trafford, PA and John T. Kennedy of Pittsburgh, PA.
Along with her husband, Orpha, she is preceded in passing by her parents and sister Nancy Regal.
Visitation will be held 12:30pm – 1:30pm Friday, January 20, 2023 at Faith Church. Funeral service will begin at 1:30pm with Pastor Trey Garner officiating. Interment will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Faith Christian School or Vision of Hope. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Kristal Conner
January 16, 2023
When I was serving at Faith Church for Moppets, Mary Ellen was my go to lady. She was so generous and kind with her time- loving and willing. I am thankful to see the Lords work in her life, serving along side of her blessed me greatly! She helped shape my attention to serving as a mother to many, and as one ages. It was so kind of the Lord to use her in my life! I am thankful for her long life as an example for me personally to see and as I serve the Lord with my hopefully long life too.
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Hippensteel Funeral Home, Inc.
January 16, 2023
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
822 N 9th St, Lafayette, IN 47904
Make a Donation
in Mary Collins's name
People and places connected with Mary
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Mary's loved ones
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
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
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 moreWays to honor Mary 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
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
