Mary Alice Collins

Mary Alice Collins was called home to our Lord on November 7, 2024, at the age of 91 years old. She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Mary was a faithful Catholic and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. 

Mary was born and raised in Washington, DC, the third eldest of six daughters. At the age of 24, Mary met and wed the love of her life, Michael Collins. Mary and Mike had a beautiful marriage and together raised four daughters. Mary dedicated her life to raising her children and lovingly cared for her grandchildren, as well as the children of neighbors and friends. She was beloved by all, for her warmth, humor, and deep empathy.

Mary was the heart and soul of her large family. She was always loving, understanding, gentle, and kind. She was quick to offer a wise word, a laugh, and a prayer. Although her time to depart from this Earth had come, and she met it bravely, she will be deeply and fiercely missed. 

Mary is survived by her daughters Karen Collins, Carolyn Ascoli (Lorenzo), Allyson Small (Michael), her son-in-law Eric Mueller, grandchildren Michael, Amanda, Nicholas, Matthew, Lauren, Sean, Joseph, Jenna, Emily, and Madison and great-grandson Tate, sisters Bettie Jones, Carolyn Reale and Judie Deane (Bernie). She was predeceased by her adoring husband of 67 years Michael Collins, daughter Susan Mueller, parents William and Alice Crowder, and her sisters Jean Alberding and Rose Marie Capotosto.

Relatives and friends may call at Borgwardt Funeral Home, 4400 Powder Mill Rd., Beltsville, MD on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 11007 Montgomery Road, Beltsville, on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery.