Pearl Collins, 92

Pearl Mae Collins, age 92, of Three Rivers, died Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Rose Arbor Hospice following a brief illness. She was born in Three Rivers on Sept. 30, 1926 the daughter of Leon J. and Frances (Bloom) Buchner and was a lifetime resident of St. Joseph County. She graduated from Mendon High School with the class of 1945. Pearl was married to Henry David “Dave” Collins on June 18, 1950 in Goshen, IN. She worked at Three Rivers Furs and was a stock-car driver for a few years. For many years she was a school bus driver for both Mendon and Three Rivers Public Schools, and was a member of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. She was a member of a running club that raised funds for the Special Olympics. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, sewing and cooking. She especially enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Pearl is survived by three children and their spouses, Jerri (Mark) Foley of Kalkaska, Terry (Janice) Collins, and Merry Jo (Kevin) Tavernier both of Three Rivers. She was the proud grandma of eight grandchildren, Patrick (Jacqueline) Foley, Daniel Foley, Ryan Collins, Marisa Jo Collins, Matt Collins, Adam Tavernier, Andy Tavernier, and Amy Jo Tavernier; and by two precious great-grandchildren, Gavin and Liam Foley. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Sheri Lyn; her husband, Dave; brother Sharon Buchner; and sister, Kathryn Stienbarger.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Wednesday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will be at 11 am Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019 at the funeral home with Rev. Kathy Schuen, Pastor of the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Constantine officiating. Burial will be in Mendon Cemetery. It is suggested that memorial donations be directed to either the First Congregational United Church of Christ, or to the Mendon Quarterback Club. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com