Roswitha Collins' Obituary
Roswitha "Rose" Collins, 80, of Czechoslovakia, Germany, passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2024, with family and friends by her side. Josef and Anna Vater welcomed Roswitha into the world on April 2, 1943. She was born with a twin brother, and were the youngest with two older brothers. She would give birth to her one and only son Daniel Collins on March 28, 1961, and later marry Ray Collins on February 5, 1965. After living through war in Germany, they moved to the United States for better opportunities. Although times were tough, Roswitha relied on skills she learned from her mother and built a future in becoming a master tailor at Nordstrom, where she worked for over 25 years. She loved her job as a seamstress and made many great friendships and memories. Besides sewing, she enjoyed crocheting beautiful tablecloths and knitting hats and scarves for her grandchildren. Some might same Rose was a perfectionist; she brings her visions into existence in anything she puts her mind to. Her favorite passion was her beautiful rose garden, a masterpiece that she took time to hone through the years and received plenty of compliments. On days she was unable to be in the yard, she spent her time watching game shows, cowboys movies, and watching over her garage sales. She had an eye for finding treasures at garage sales and piecing her home together to feel like a palace.
Surviving post war chaos gave rise to an exemplary woman that truly strengthened one's will: freedom weakness; stability of character; power to withstand temptation; and capacity to accomplish.
Rose was one of the most selfless and hard working people you would ever meet. She lived generously and willingly made people happy. She always put family first and was a pillar that held everyone together in good times and the bad. Her home was where everyone would gather every year for holidays and birthdays. She was an amazing cook who could make anything traditional or even put her own spin on a dish and make it better. She had a contagious sense of humor and will be greatly missed. She invited people into her home who she felt deserving of her time and energy. "Take your shoes off and keep your feet on the ground" Rose was a woman of manners, inspiration, cleanliness and never idle.
Though Rose grieved and mourned for her husband, brother and tragically her son Daniel in June of 2021, she was able to make more memories with her 5 grandchildren: Jessika, Jestin, Daniel, Danica and Dantonio. Her departure has been gravely felt by her family, friends and countless others who loved her dearly. They will carry and keep her memories alive in their hearts until they meet again.
What’s your fondest memory of Roswitha?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roswitha?
Share a story where Roswitha's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roswitha you’ll never forget.
How did Roswitha make you smile?

