Karen Collins

Karen Cripe Collins of Naples, FL formerly of Bremen, IN, passed away Monday, October 15, 2007 in Naples. This day will be remembered as the most significant day in the life of Karen Cripe Collins as she triumphed over death at the age of 53. Her long and courageous battle with cancer has been replaced with heavenly joy.

Karen was born March 3, 1954 in Bremen, IN to Neil and Doris (Clindaniel) Cripe. She will forever be remembered as a devoted mother and inspirational teacher. She is a graduate of Bremen High School and went on to receive her B.S. in Education from Indiana University in 1980. Karen has taught in Indiana as well as Florida with her present position being in second grade at Osceola Elementary. She was honored as a recipient of the Golden Apple Award and has been a constant champion for young children in the areas of reading and writing.

She is survived by her children Clay Michael Collins and Molly Shae Collins both of Naples, her devoted partner in life Alfred J. DiMatties of Naples, parents Neil and Doris Cripe of Bremen, IN brother Scott (Jody) Cripe of South Bend, IN two sisters Patricia (Brent) Lineberry of Bremen, Kay (John) Kelley of Warsaw, IN three nephews Grady and Connor Randall and Nathan Cripe, and a niece Olivia Cripe.

Services will be held 3:00PM Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at the Mishler Funeral Home, 2030 State Road 331, Bremen, IN. Pastor Susan Sickelka will officiate. Burial will follow in Bremen Cemetery. Friends may call 4-6PM Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Molly S. and Clay M. Collins Trust Fund, Lake City Bank, PO Box 1387, Warsaw, IN 46581.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Karen’s life by attending a sunset memorial service at the north end of Lowdermilk Beach, 257 Banyon Blvd., Naples, on Saturday, October 20th at 6:00PM