Celebrating the life of
Anne Steffey Collins
April 21, 1922 - February 07, 2011
Anne Steffey Collins passed into eternal life on February 7, 2011 at 1:00 a.m. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Anne was the daughter of Lucille Horner and Clarence B. Steffey. She completed her high school years at Chatham Hall, Chatham, VA and was a 1943 graduate of Smith College in Northampton, MA. Following her liberal arts degree from Smith, she obtained a masters degree in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh.
In 1946, Anne married Thomas Tom C. Collins in Pittsburgh, PA. In 1954 they moved to East Aurora, NY, where Tom was a steel executive. There they raised their three children. It was in East Aurora that Anne organized and ran a library for the nationally known Gow School.
In 1981, Anne and Tom retired to The Landings where they built their home and became known for their leadership in cultural and birding excursions for the Landlover's Association. Tom died in November of 1987. In 2005, Anne moved to the Marshes of Skidaway Island.
An active member of the Skidaway Island United Methodist Church, Anne was a co-leader in establishing the Stephen Ministry in the church. She was a board member of the Savannah Science Museum and an active member of the Ogeechee Audubon Society, Telfair Academy of Arts, Historic Savannah Foundation and P.E.O.
For all of her 88 summers, Anne never missed family vacations at the Iron City Fishing Club on Canada's Georgian Bay. The Iron City Fishing Club was founded 126 years ago. Anne's grandfather was a founding member of the club.
Surviving Anne are her three children: Jeannie and her husband Russ Harmer of Salt Lake City; Lucille and her husband Arte Rahn of Savannah; and Rip Collins and his wife Cathy and their daughters Meagan and Jennifer, all of Salt Lake City.
The memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 14, 2011 at Skidaway Island United Methodist Church. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Remembrances may be sent to Skidaway Island United Methodist Church, 54 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411, or the Iron City Fishing Club Endowment Fund, c/o Brian Huber, 4060 East Brookhaven Dr., Atlanta, GA 30319.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Rip, 'Cille and Jean- Your Mom was a great lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Libby Gretz, Charlottesville, VA
Jeannie, Lucille, and Rip: I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a very special lady - a true angel on earth. I will miss her deeply - our 'talks', visiting here in EA, her newsy Christmas cards, and all the other beautiful memories I have of her. She was an inspiration to so many people - always positive and compassionate. I know how close you all were. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Our 'Elmwood gang' is and always will be a fond and lasting memory. Love you all! Brenda
- Brenda Kelsey-Moore, East Aurora, NY
The world has lost a beautiful and elegant lady. Will surely be missed by all that new her.
- Priscila Collins, savannah, GA
Tom & Anne were great friends of my family during their many years in East Aurora. Anne was one of the nicest and most gracious people I have ever known. Best wishes to Jeannie, Lucille, Rip and their families.
- Davis Heussler, East Aurora, NY
Anne was always so kind and gracious. We will always remember that beautiful smile.
- Elizabeth and Donnie Keith, Savannah, GA
In each person's life, there are a few people who make a dramatic and important impact on that person's childhood. Aunt Anne was one of those impactorsers? for me. Just remembering her running down the boardwalk chasing Jean or Rip -and not me- will make me smile for the rest of my days... a wonderful person.
- Kerry Todd, Lynchburg, VA
To Lucille, Rip and Jeannie, We were sad to hear of Anne's death. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend and a true role model. Her positive attitude and spirit were an inspiration to others. We are so glad we could see her on her last visit to East Aurora. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. She was an outstanding woman! Sally and John Lincoln
- sally and john lincoln, east aurora, NY
I went to school with Cille , Mrs. Collin's daughter. I have many fond memories of the family and being on Elmwood Ave. Sorry for your loss, my heartfelt sympathy. Carol
- Carol Bollin Caher, East Aurora, NY
What a beautiful, powerful and loving woman! We feel blessed to have had her join us at family Christmas parties. Her lovely personality and gracious smile will sincerely be missed. God Bless.
- Jim, Debbie & Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, UT
Dear Jeannie, Lucille & Rip, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. I will always cherish the many wonderful memories of your mom while growing up in East Aurora. She was a very special woman and a very dear friend of my mom's! Kim Taylor
- Kim Taylor, Branchburg, NJ
I was truly saddened to hear of Anne's passing. She was a remarkable woman and I consider myself lucky to have known her personally and professionally.
- Christine Reddick, Savannah, GA
To the children and grandchildren of Anne Collins ICFC and you all have lost a true original and we have been so lucky to have known her. I shall miss seeing her in her lovely pastel outfit on the boardwalk..no one could wear pink like Anne. All my love Lainey
- Lainey anderson, Lincon, MA
Dear Collins Family, We are sorry to hear of your mother's passing. ICFC will not be the same without her. It had become so enjoyable to hear tales from her and my mother of their childhoods together on the Bay. Please know that we have you in our thoughts and prayers. Andy, Nan and the kids
- Andy & Nan Bennett, Pittsburgh, PA
Dear Relatives of Anne, Another legend has departed the shores of Iron City for the last time. All of us will miss her next summer, but happy she was in camp just this last summer. I will think of her when I see her family enjoying the place she loved so dearly, the day of her Fishing Cup, and during spectacular sunsets. I will miss her!
- Eric Williams, pittsburgh, PA
Jeannie, Luculle and 'Rip', Anne was a special friend for many years. I will miss her in so many ways. My sincere condolences to you. Geri
- Geri Taylor, port st lucie, FL, FL
Although I met Anne only a few years ago at The Marshes, I saw immediately that Anne's smile and energy could fill a room with joy. Her departure is a loss for this community, as well as for her family. My heart aches with yours.
- Joyce Murlless, Savannah, GA
Jack and I so enjoyed visiting with Anne each summer at Iron City Fishing Club. She was one of our most important 'keepers of history' at Iron City, and it was fascinating to experience early Iron City as she remembered it. She was an avid 'birder' and provided Martin houses for the club to control the mosquito population, and she was a source of information for all bird-related questions. We will miss Anne! She was such a positive, caring person and a real joy to be around.
- Russell Huber, Atlanta, GA
On behalf of Historic Savannah Foundation, we would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Anne. She was a loyal member of HSF for many years, and we deeply appreciate her support. She helped us be a champion for the preservation of Savannah.
- Daniel G. Carey, Savannah, GA
Such an elegant lady and such a lovely person! My wife and I are both very sad to hear of her passing.
- Jim Redcay Jr., Pipersville, PA
Dear Jeannie,Lucille and 'Rip', We have lost a dear friend and the community has lost a very gracious and caring lady.Our deepest sympathy to all of you on your loss.You will be in our prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Ann and I were Stephen Ministers together at S.I.U.M.C. and she was an inspiration to me. I know she is already in heaven.
- tom manchester, savannah, GA
Rip, 'Cille and Jean- Your Mom was a great lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Libby Gretz, Charlottesville, VA
Jeannie, Lucille, and Rip: I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a very special lady - a true angel on earth. I will miss her deeply - our 'talks', visiting here in EA, her newsy Christmas cards, and all the other beautiful memories I have of her. She was an inspiration to so many people - always positive and compassionate. I know how close you all were. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Our 'Elmwood gang' is and always will be a fond and lasting memory. Love you all! Brenda
- Brenda Kelsey-Moore, East Aurora, NY
The world has lost a beautiful and elegant lady. Will surely be missed by all that new her.
- Priscila Collins, savannah, GA
Tom & Anne were great friends of my family during their many years in East Aurora. Anne was one of the nicest and most gracious people I have ever known. Best wishes to Jeannie, Lucille, Rip and their families.
- Davis Heussler, East Aurora, NY
Anne was always so kind and gracious. We will always remember that beautiful smile.
- Elizabeth and Donnie Keith, Savannah, GA
In each person's life, there are a few people who make a dramatic and important impact on that person's childhood. Aunt Anne was one of those impactorsers? for me. Just remembering her running down the boardwalk chasing Jean or Rip -and not me- will make me smile for the rest of my days... a wonderful person.
- Kerry Todd, Lynchburg, VA
To Lucille, Rip and Jeannie, We were sad to hear of Anne's death. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend and a true role model. Her positive attitude and spirit were an inspiration to others. We are so glad we could see her on her last visit to East Aurora. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. She was an outstanding woman! Sally and John Lincoln
- sally and john lincoln, east aurora, NY
I went to school with Cille , Mrs. Collin's daughter. I have many fond memories of the family and being on Elmwood Ave. Sorry for your loss, my heartfelt sympathy. Carol
- Carol Bollin Caher, East Aurora, NY
What a beautiful, powerful and loving woman! We feel blessed to have had her join us at family Christmas parties. Her lovely personality and gracious smile will sincerely be missed. God Bless.
- Jim, Debbie & Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, UT
Dear Jeannie, Lucille & Rip, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. I will always cherish the many wonderful memories of your mom while growing up in East Aurora. She was a very special woman and a very dear friend of my mom's! Kim Taylor
- Kim Taylor, Branchburg, NJ
I was truly saddened to hear of Anne's passing. She was a remarkable woman and I consider myself lucky to have known her personally and professionally.
- Christine Reddick, Savannah, GA
To the children and grandchildren of Anne Collins ICFC and you all have lost a true original and we have been so lucky to have known her. I shall miss seeing her in her lovely pastel outfit on the boardwalk..no one could wear pink like Anne. All my love Lainey
- Lainey anderson, Lincon, MA
Dear Collins Family, We are sorry to hear of your mother's passing. ICFC will not be the same without her. It had become so enjoyable to hear tales from her and my mother of their childhoods together on the Bay. Please know that we have you in our thoughts and prayers. Andy, Nan and the kids
- Andy & Nan Bennett, Pittsburgh, PA
Dear Relatives of Anne, Another legend has departed the shores of Iron City for the last time. All of us will miss her next summer, but happy she was in camp just this last summer. I will think of her when I see her family enjoying the place she loved so dearly, the day of her Fishing Cup, and during spectacular sunsets. I will miss her!
- Eric Williams, pittsburgh, PA
Jeannie, Luculle and 'Rip', Anne was a special friend for many years. I will miss her in so many ways. My sincere condolences to you. Geri
- Geri Taylor, port st lucie, FL, FL
Although I met Anne only a few years ago at The Marshes, I saw immediately that Anne's smile and energy could fill a room with joy. Her departure is a loss for this community, as well as for her family. My heart aches with yours.
- Joyce Murlless, Savannah, GA
Jack and I so enjoyed visiting with Anne each summer at Iron City Fishing Club. She was one of our most important 'keepers of history' at Iron City, and it was fascinating to experience early Iron City as she remembered it. She was an avid 'birder' and provided Martin houses for the club to control the mosquito population, and she was a source of information for all bird-related questions. We will miss Anne! She was such a positive, caring person and a real joy to be around.
- Russell Huber, Atlanta, GA
On behalf of Historic Savannah Foundation, we would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Anne. She was a loyal member of HSF for many years, and we deeply appreciate her support. She helped us be a champion for the preservation of Savannah.
- Daniel G. Carey, Savannah, GA
Such an elegant lady and such a lovely person! My wife and I are both very sad to hear of her passing.
- Jim Redcay Jr., Pipersville, PA
Dear Jeannie,Lucille and 'Rip', We have lost a dear friend and the community has lost a very gracious and caring lady.Our deepest sympathy to all of you on your loss.You will be in our prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Ann and I were Stephen Ministers together at S.I.U.M.C. and she was an inspiration to me. I know she is already in heaven.
- tom manchester, savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
