Anita Woodie Collins

Anita Woodie Collins passed away on April 5, 2021 at Memorial Hospital. Anita was born in Germany to Donald Poland Sr. and Irmgard (Bauman) Edwards on October 25, 1951. She lived most of her life in Colorado Springs, graduating from Wasson High School in 1969.

After graduation, Anita started an expansive career in the insurance industry, which took her to Phoenix, AZ and Livermore, CA, before she returned to Colorado Springs. She spent much of her later career as a Manager for MLM, followed by a few years at James Irwin Charter School where she thoroughly enjoyed cooking and serving lunch to elementary-aged children that she loved, retiring in 2020.

When she was not working, Anita enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family – especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling, baking, shopping and gardening as well. Anita’s giving nature, loving spirit and infectious zest for life were major components of her personality, which was admired by family, friends and coworkers alike. She made every holiday an event and brought joy to all who came in to contact with her. 

In 1969 she married her High School sweetheart, Richard Collins, Sr. They would go on to have three sons, Richard Jr., Scott and Michael. Through Michael, she became the mother-in-law to Sabrina (Romero) Collins and grandmother of Tyler Collins and Brieyelle Collins.

As a young girl, Anita was fortunate enough to have a tightly knit and expansive family who would always be a part of her life. She is proceeded in death by her parents Donald Poland Sr. and Irmgard Edwards, brother Frank Edwards, husband Richard Collins Sr., and sons Richard Jr. and Scott. She is survived by son Michael (Sabrina) Collins, two grandchildren, Tyler and Brieyelle Collins, sisters Linda Edwards (John Collins), Kathy (Frank) Anastos, Donna (Jeff) Hudspeth, Sherry (Roy) Walker, brothers Ronald Edwards, Joaquim Edwards, Donald (Mary) Poland Jr., many nieces and nephews as well as many others who were integral in her life.

The family will have a celebration of life for friends and family in the summer, details will follow.