Dorothy Ann Collins, longtime resident of Spokane, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at age 94. She was surrounded by loved ones and left us peacefully. She was born June 7, 1932 in Naperville, Illinois, the daughter of late Louis Barkei and Anna (Feldott) Barkei.

Dorothy (Dottie) was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas “Vince” Collins, her parents, her siblings, Gilbert (Barbara), Mildred (Howard) Hill, Bernice (Albert) Schwartz, LeRoy (Patricia), Paul (Mary Jo), Elaine, Joan (Ed) Gilpatric, Ruth, and Marilyn (David) Vanden Brook. She is survived by her nine children Byron (Josie), Greg, Lisa, Daniel, Mary (Ole), Karen (Ken), Chrissy (Jeff), Lori, Michael (Teresa), along with seven grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Mom, wife, sister, friend, grandma, aunt, loyal servant of God. She was born in Naperville Illinois, where she was raised on a large dairy farm along with her nine siblings. After graduating from high school, she pursued her degree in Denver, Colorado where she became a registered nurse. She met her future husband, Vince, while out ice-skating with friends. Theirs is a story of love, partnership and adventure in life. After dating three months, they married in a double wedding in Naperville, IL along with Dottie’s sister Lynn and Dave VandenBrook. Together, they raised nine children and saw the world, living in South Carolina, Japan, Texas, Arizona, Germany, California, New York and ultimately settling in Spokane, WA after Vince retired from the Air Force in 1972. As parents, their energy together for their family was evident. Whether they were trekking to Amsterdam for a long weekend with six children in tow or dragging a camper from New York to Washington state, with the youngest of the nine still a toddler and the oldest barely a teenager, they managed to somehow make it with humor and ease. The stories of their fearless and forward- moving life together are many and filled with love and laughter.

Dorothy gave life to those around her from a deep place in her nature. She had a known heart condition that doctors treated with medication; we knew was a BIG heart. If you visited in the summer, you could usually find her enjoying the long hot afternoons in the pine shade of her porch surrounded by family.

A woman of deep faith, she was guided by her convictions and could always help you understand what was really important in this life. The energy and love that she gave to her family is legendary, yet she still found time to devote to her artistic nature. She was an accomplished violinist, baker, gardener, oil and watercolor painter, knitter (which she attempted to teach us girls), and instilled that love of music and the arts in her family. She was a life-long learner who took calligraphy and painting classes, stained glass window making, ceramics, and even dance classes with Vince. She and Vince loved children, especially their seven grandchildren, who gave them immense joy and with whom they created cherished memories. Even after raising nine of their own, they opened their home and hearts to several families and provided care for their young children. Her friends will remember her as a shrewd bridge player. She was a tireless volunteer who did everything from wedding and funeral coordination and Eucharistic Ministry at St. Thomas More, volunteering with Hospice, Sisters of St. Clare and local food banks. She will forever be remembered and always hold a special place in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to Gentiva Hospice of Spokane, Catholic Charities, Michael J Fox Foundation, VA or any charity of your choice.

Online available: parish.thomasmorespokane.org/live-stream-mass