May 4, 1940 – December 17, 2023
Marilyn (Garrity) Collins (better known as “Jackie” to family and friends) was born on May 4, 1940, to John R. and Dorothy (Johnson) Garrity in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She attended school at Saint Mary’s through High School. During her youth, she spent time fishing with her grandfather which started her love for the mountains and outdoors. She enjoyed many trips to the family cabin at Lake Creek during this time.
After Cheynne, Jackie attended the University of Wyoming. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Tim Collins. She returned to Cheyenne and worked for the State of Wyoming at the Capitol. She later married Tim in Cheyenne on June 24, 1961. Locating to Laramie, Jackie began working in various positions at the University of Wyoming for some time before having children. Tim and Jackie had two children, a son, Kevin Collins (deceased) and daughter, Jill Collins. After the children started school, Jackie ventured into owning and operating the Pin Cushion with her close friends, Peggy Deaver and Marilyn Pedrick. After five or so years, the locally owned shop gave way to big business and Jackie rejoined the ranks at the University of Wyoming. Years later, she retired from UW. Jackie decided that one needs to have a part-time job every once and again. Jackie became a part-time bailiff for Albany County District Court for about 15 years.
During her retirement years, it was clear the outdoors called for her to enjoy the beauty and calmness they provided. Her love of hiking would rule her summers. Her hiking partners she enjoyed hiking with most were with her sister Pat Bublitz, son Kevin and her granddaughter Kodi Bernaski. She would hike up in the Snowy Range as much as possible. She could walk for miles and be exhausted with aching feet, but her smile was bigger than life and her soul was full. The longer the hike the bigger the smile. Through her years of hiking, you would always find her with one of her many golden retrievers accompanying her. Jackie hiked into her mid-70s and then went to “road hikes” where one enjoys the scenery and company from the comfort of a vehicle and a lunch in Centennial.
Jackie was devout in her faith which carried through her journey with neuroendocrine cancer. She sincerely appreciates Father Rob Spaulding and his many visits during this journey.
Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, her son Kevin Collins, her niece Kerry Bublitz, and her nephews Mike Collins and Roy Collins.
She is survived by her husband, of 62 years, Tim, daughter Jill Collins (Mike Otto), grandchildren Kyle Bernaski (Sheena), Kodi Bernaski, and Kacey Bernaski and her great-granddaughter Lacey Cortes, daughter-in-law Kathy Collins, her sister Pat Bublitz (Jim), several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.
Vigil service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 21, 2023 at St. Paul’s Newman Center. Funeral Liturgy will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 22, 2023 at St. Paul’s Newman Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family and Jackie request that you donate to a cause that you are most fond of. The Newman Center, Hospice of Laramie, the Laramie Animal Shelter, and the Meredith and Jeannie Ray Cancer Center are some of Jackie’s favorites.
Tim and your entire family I am so sorry to hear about Jackie passing. She was a wonderful person that I had the pleasure of knowing for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sending condolences to Tim and Jill following Jackie's passing. So enjoyed knowing her and Tim and Kevin and Jill for so many years. They are a wonderful family and was honored to teach the kids and be a colleague of Tim's over the years -- and his student. My Dad, Osea, and Jackie were fine staff friends at the University of Wyoming over the years as well. Sending you thoughts of comfort and love.
Tim and Jill Collins, this was a real shock to read of Jackie's passing sending prayers for you and family.
GREAT PERSON RIP. ROD ARAGON LESLIE WYO
What a beautiful, kind woman. I appreciate Tim & Jackie’s friendship to my parents. No doubt you all will carry on her traits. I’m sorry for your loss. Hang onto those precious memories ❤️
Gary and I want you to know that our prayers are with all of Jackie's loving family. She always greeted all with a warm smile. 62 years of beautiful marriage memories. Bless you.
Tim and family We were sorry to learn of Jackie's passing. Know she's watching over each of you as you continue on your life's journey. Al and Bobbie Schimek
Tim and Family: I experienced some very special times with you and Jackie, Jim and Peggy and Taro and Betty what seems to be a lifetime ago. Jackie was indeed special and exceptionally kind. Her life was so well-lived — especially with you in it.
Mr. Collins on behalf of the Coca and Wright family we want to offer our most heartfelt condolences. You and your entire family have been the dearest blessing to our family and so many others. We know God welcomed her home gave her a hiking stick and your sweet boy is right beside her. God bless you. Jerry Coca and Julie Wright.
Tim and family, we offer our sincere condolences.
Jill and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Jackie was such an awesome lady. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim and Jill. Please accept our condolences at this time of sorrow. Jackie was a joy to be around and we know that she will be missed.
Jackie was such a special person! I remember going to The Pin Cushion for knitting lessons from the ladies there...hahaha, they all tried helping me and finally had to inform me "I was too uptight", and needed to relax my hands because we couldn't get the knitting needles out of the knotted mess I was working on! What a lovely lady, and she will be missed by all that knew her. Sending our heartfelt condolences to Tim and family.
Tim, Gary and I want you to know that you and your family are in our prayers. Jackie was a beautiful person.
Jill, Tom and I are so sorry to learn of Jackie’s death. She was a beautiful person whose strong faith was an inspiration.
Tim, Jill, and Family: May the warm memories you hold provide comfort as you adjust to to your loss. Sending love and prayers to help you through this difficult time. Tammy Comer (Niemoller)
Tim, Jill and family…I am so sorry to hear about Jackie…May God be with all of you and know that Jackie lives on in all your hearts. Bev Kagel and Family
So very sorry to read that your Jackie had passed. She always was so kind, and caring when I would run into her. Heaven received another angel and she is now with Kevin. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim and Jill, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always cherish her smile and the twinkle in her eye when she met me. She was a second mother to me. Sending you big hugs.
Tim and family. I am so so very sorry for your loss and am so shocked to see that Jackie has passed. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers..
So sorry for your loss Jill. Sending you hugs and give a big hug to your dad.
Sending so much love and comfort to the Collins family. Thank you for watching over us from above Aunt Jackie, and thank you for always being so sweet. Your love and kindness shows throughout your daughter. Jill & family, you are in my thoughts.