Imogene K. (Roddy) CollinsFairfax - Imogene Katherine (Roddy) Collins passed away peacefully on Thursday January 29, 2015 at Green Mt. Nursing Home in Colchester with her family and caregivers by her side and Irish music in the air. She was born September 27, 1909 in Fairfield daughter of the late Terrance and Alice (Paradee) Roddy. She grew up on farms where her father worked throughout Enosburg Falls and Fairfield. She attended 1 room schools, later attending Enosburg Falls High School and Mount Saint Mary’s in Burlington.
Imogene married Own Collins and together they raised 9 children on farms in Berkshire, Fairfield and Chatam, NY, settling in Fairfax in 1942. Imogene was a homemaker and great cook. She often helped with the farming chores including care for the animals, sugaring and haying.
During the late 50’s and 60’s, Imogene did domestic work in the homes of Mae Roddy, Clydia King and Margaret Howrigan. She was proud to be able to enhance the farms income. To help “make ends meet” as she would say. She was always ready to help with the Country Fair and St Luke’s Turkey Dinner. She volunteered time helping at the Maple Festival frosting doughnuts with Nellie Webb. She also participated in the Franklin county Field Days. During her life she never faltered when a helping hand was needed.
Her most enjoyed hours were spent dancing with Owen, spending time with family and attending Mass. Her 9 children, their spouses, grand children, great, great-great, and great-great-great grandchildren and step great grandchildren were important to her happiness. In her nineties and beyond she attended sporting events of her great grandchildren.
Imogene knit and crocheted many beautiful gifts cherished by the owners. She was a Red Sox fan to the end. Her religion was a way of life. Her lasting wish would be for families to stay together and pray.
Imogene was an amazing woman and her family was truly blessed to have her with them for so long. She will be truly missed by all.
Imogene is survived by five sons: John and Betty Collins of Fairfax; Owen “Buzz” and Alice Collins of Fairfax; Thomas and Daisy Collins of Fairfax; Paul Collins of Colchester; Norbert and Audrey Collins of Essex; two daughters: Letitia “Tish” and Clement Cardinal of Essex; Mary and Michael Wright of Essex Jct.; sister-in-law Bernoline Roddy of Enosburg; many grandchildren; great grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; great-great-great grandchildren; step great grand children; nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was also predeceased by her husband Owen Collins on January 28, 1980, her sons Mark Collins; Alton Collins; three daughters-in-law Norma Collins; Gloria Collins, Jackie Collins; her brothers Harry and wife Francis Roddy; Terrance Roddy; her sister Edna Columb and her husband Fred Columb; grand daughter Gail Collins Larose and her great granddaughter Amber Soutiere.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday February 3, 2015 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home – Fairfax Chapel, 1176 Main St., Fairfax, VT 05454. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke Church, Fairfax with Reverend Henry Furman officiating Memorial contributions in Imogene’s memory may be made to ST JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or a charity of your choice. Burial will follow in the family lot in St. Luke Cemetery. The family invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting
http://www.awrichfuneralhomes.com/
