Catherine Ronco Collins

November 20, 1932 - October 6, 2021

Catherine (Kay) Ronco Collins, passed away on October 6, 2021. She was born on November 20 and raised in Port Moody, British Columbia, Kay was the daughter of Attilio and Mary Ronco. Bright and spirited, she was both Valedictorian of her High School class and the first Miss Port Moody. A Vancouver Sun announcement of her victory was seen by Lowell Collins, a young Air Force Sergeant stationed in Omaha. His letter to Kay began a long-distance courtship that resulted in a 69-year marriage. Kay became a U.S. citizen in 1956 and was deeply devoted to America and her community. A lifelong Methodist, she also proudly attended the Presbyterian church of Umatilla. For 44 years, she was a top-selling Avon representative, winning countless awards and accolades from the company. She was also an avid reader, gardener, swimmer, and a wonderful cook. But her greatest love was her family: her husband Lowell, daughter Leslie, son Douglas, grandchildren Brent and Alise; great-grandson, Paul; and sister Jackie, as well as her beloved sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Although dementia eventually robbed Kay of her memories, her infectious laugh and beautiful smile continued to brighten the lives of everyone who knew her. She lived her life by the motto, "If you think you can, you can." The world was far more lively, inspiring, and compassionate because Kay Collins was here. May her memory be a blessing to her family and friends, and to her devoted caregivers at Kiva of Mount Dora. A memorial service will be held at Beyers Funeral Home of Umatilla on Monday, October 18th, 1:00 PM, followed with light refreshments. Friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 12:30 pm, interment to follow at Umatilla Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, in-memory donations could be made to the Umatilla Historical Museum P.O. Box 64 Umatilla, FL 32784. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Umatilla, Florida.