Violet Anna (Nielsen) Collins

Violet Anna Collins, 95, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away Sunday, August 15, 2021, at Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born April 22, 1926, the daughter of Jens Munk and Astrid (Pedersen) Nielsen in Omaha, Nebraska.  Violet graduated high school and attended college. 

On March 29, 1946, she married Charles Franklin Collins at Omaha, Nebraska.  He predeceased her in May of 2011 after 65 years of marriage.

Violet was a member of the Nazarene Church in Mt. Carmel.  She was on the church board and raised her family in that church.  Violet attended the Nazarene Church until it closed and then started attending First General Baptist Church.  She enjoyed singing Christian music.  Violet worked as a bookkeeper for their family business, Collins Brake Service, for over thirty years.  She was a Cub Scout leader for her son’s troop.  Violet would fold dollar bills into roses and would sell them in vases.  Not only was her name Violet, but her favorite color was violet!

The highlight in Violet’s life was traveling to Denmark with her daughter.  Both her parents came from Denmark to live in America.  Violet loved her family and was a devoted grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt.   

Left to cherish Violet’s memory are her children, Tom and his wife Dee Collins of Loogootee, Indiana, and Jane and her husband Larry Benham of Oakland City, Indiana; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Collins, Heather Alvis and Juli Geddings; great-grandchildren, Jacob Collins, Westley Alvis, William Alvis, Kristina Martin and Kiara Geddings; and sister Nancy (Gil) Hill.

Violet was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings, Mary Kent, Harold Nielsen and Jim Nielsen.

A private family viewing will take place Thursday, August 19, 2021.

There will be a public graveside service Thursday, August 19, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. at Highland Memorial Cemetery, 1827 College Drive, Mt. Carmel, Illinois.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Violet’s family.

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