BREMEN - Karen Cripe Collins, of Naples, Fla., and formerly of Bremen, died Oct. 15, 2007, in Naples. This day will be remembered as the most significant day in the life of Karen as she triumphed over death at the age of 53. Her long and courageous battle with cancer has been replaced with heavenly joy.
She was born March 3, 1954, in Bremen, to Neil and Doris Clindaniel Cripe, who survive in Bremen.
She will forever be remembered as a devoted mother and inspirational teacher. She was a Bremen High School graduate and received a bachelor's degree in education from Indiana University in 1980. She 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.
Surviving are her children, Clay Michael and Molly Shae Collins, both of Naples; her devoted partner in life, Alfred J. DiMatties, Naples; a brother, Scott (and wife Jody) Cripe, South Bend; two sisters, Mrs. Brent (Patricia) Lineberry, Bremen, and Mrs. John (Kay) Kelley, Warsaw; three nephews, Grady and Connor Randall and Nathan Cripe; and a niece, Olivia Cripe.
Services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Mishler Funeral Home, 2030 Ind. 331, Bremen, with Pastor Susan Sickelka officiating. Burial will be in Bremen Cemetery.
Calling is from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials to the Molly S. and Clay M. Collins Trust Fund, Lake City Bank, P.O. Box 1387, Warsaw, IN 46581.
Condolences may be sent to www.mishlerfuneralhomes.com
