Alberta Collins

Alberta Collins walked into Heaven to meet her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 26, 2010 at 6:07 AM. She was born in Hamilton on March 2, 1921, the daughter of John and Louise (Hornbach) Young. Alberta was a graduate of Notre Dame High School in Hamilton and she also attended Hamilton Business College. She worked as a paper sorter for Champion International for fifteen years, and it was there that she met the love of her life, Joseph Collins. They were married on September 27, 1952 and would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this year. Alberta’s pride and joy was her daughter, Elizabeth "Betty" Collins. She loved being a part of her life, and was a devoted mother and best friend. Through the years Alberta enjoyed working in her daughter’s classroom as a room mother and then in the Garfield High School band concession stand. She never missed a school activity, and even continued to attend many events at Van Buren Elementary School, where Betty is a teacher. Alberta never met a stranger, and she loved her family, friends, and her church family. She was a faithful member of Hamilton West Baptist Church (formerly known as New Zion/Western Avenue Baptist Church), where she and Joe were married.

Alberta leaves behind to celebrate her life her husband Joseph "Joe," daughter Elizabeth "Betty," and her buddy Sugar Bear. She also leaves behind her loving nieces and nephews Linda (Al) Kohlas, Alana Kohlas, Donna (Steve Keehner) Sager, Sheree and Robby Sager, and Dennis and Doug Young. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Donald and Gilbert Young; her niece, Vicky Young; and her father and mother-in-law, Ray and Elizabeth Collins.

Funeral service will be held at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, on Friday, April 2, 2010 at 9:30 AM with Rev. David Williams, Pastor of Hamilton West Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hamilton West Baptist Church, 1050 NW Washington Blvd., Hamilton 45013.

A special thanks to Dr. Chetna Mital and staff, Dr. Richard Sternberg, and Dr. Deborah Hauger for their exceptional care and compassion over the years, especially the last few weeks. Another special thank you to the Fort Hamilton ICU, IMC, and fifth floor staffs for the kind care they gave Alberta over the last weeks of her blessed life. Alberta will be greatly missed here on Earth, but she leaves her family and friends with many wonderful memories, a legacy of smiles, and a greater love and respect for life and God.