Obituaries

Laurie S. Collins, 65

October 13, 2024

Laurie S. Collins, 65, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, after a courageous
battle with cancer.

Laurie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend who brought warmth,
compassion and joy to everyone she met. As an award-winning interior designer, her work
touched countless homes and hearts. She found purpose in her profession, but her greatest
love was spending time with her family, especially her grandson, Leo. She cared deeply for her friends and loved hosting them for parties. She was happiest sitting on the beach with a good book and beer in hand. She faced her illness with unwavering courage, grace, and resilience, serving as an inspiration to those around her.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Chris Collins; her loving children, Dan Collins
and Jillian Miskell; her son-in-law, Robert Miskell; and her grandson, Leo Miskell. Laurie was
preceded in death by her parents, Penrose (Buck) and Shirley Ryder.

Laurie’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were
fortunate enough to know her.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Laurie’s memorial service at
Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz PA 17543, on Sunday,
October 20, 2024, at 2:00 PM. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 PM until the time of
service. There will be a reception to follow. Those desiring may send contributions in Laurie’s
name to the Milagro House.

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Condolences to the Family

November 24, 2024

Dear Chris, Daniel and Jillian,
I was sadden to hear of Laurie’s passing. It has been many many years since I have seen Laurie but my memories of her kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity of her time are strong. We were your neighbors in Grandview. As a new mother, Laurie was so helpful to me with advice, meals, decorating the nursery, etc.  One of my favorite Grandview memories is the magical neighborhood shower that Laurie cohosted. It was truly appreciated! I remember how devoted she was to Daniel and Jillian (you both were adorable children). My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Holly Breneman

October 20, 2024

Chris, Dan and Jillian
My sincere condolences to alk. She was a kind person and always a smile. She was a perfect neighbor always willing to help when needed. She was instrumental when trying to sell my house and offering all her home decorating ideas. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your tears turn into smiles one day as you remember all your heartfelt memories. Angela Gorham

October 20, 2024

Chris, Dan and Jillian
My sincere condolences to alk. She was a kind person and always a smile. She was a perfect neighbor always willing to help when needed. She was instrumental when trying to sell my house and offering all her home decorating ideas. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your tears turn into smiles one day as you remember all your heartfelt memories. Angela Gorham

October 19, 2024

Chris, Jillian, Daniel,
 
I offer my deepest sympathy and send prayers to you all. Laurie was so proud of you, and you all took such good care of her.
Laurie blessed us and so many others by just being her. We shared our childhood, and I am thankful we reconnected. Her love and laughter will always stay with me. I loved her giving spirit and how much she loved kids. Like my mom, Laurie had a courageous fight in her. She fought with grace and on her terms. She was so strong. I believe she fought even harder when Leo was on his way. She sent us so many pictures and videos of him and they gave us joy. I asked her who was the real kid, Dan or Leo. We laughed at how obvious the deep bond they have and she was so happy. One of my favorite stories is when we were @ the reunion and I mentioned how I had to go to charm school with her and I was not happy about it. I thought it was her fault because she was the dressed-up type and into all the girly things. As soon as I said that, Laurie turned her head so fast and
said, I didn’t want to go to the …. charm school, that was your Mom who made us go. Lol. Well, @ least the school worked on her. She was my cousin and first best friend. I will always keep her in my heart and I miss her so much. She was sick and still checked on us 3 times a week or just to talk. Cris and I love you all. Every time I hear a song by Queen, I will smile and I listen to a song by P!NK- When I get there that makes me think of her even though it makes me cry. I believe she is flying high in a better place. I Love you Laurie, my cousin, my first best friend, and my real tribe.  Steph T

October 18, 2024

My sincerest condolences to your family on your loss.  My name is Deb Herneisey and my brother is Gary Patton.  I didn’t know Laurie well but always enjoyed seeing her.  It was easy to pick up where you left off even if the time in between was long.  Her talent for decorating and details blew me away.  I appreciate beautiful things so those that are great at making a home a retreat where you feel joy in your surroundings is a gift.  She was also very kind to our dad making time to come to his birthday party at the nursing home where he was residing.  She was much too young to leave this earth but accomplished much while she was here.  May you find peace in knowing her suffering is over.

October 18, 2024

May you be at peace surrounding yourself with your loved one in the afterlife. 

October 18, 2024

Dear Family,
We worked with Laurie when we were building our house about 10 years ago. She was lovely to work with, a very talented interior designer, and we noted that she was a devoted mother. She was constantly speaking proudly about her children. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her her and especially to her beloved family. Bernard Ilkhanoff and Paula Silverstein.

October 18, 2024

Chris, Jillian and Daniel,
 My deepest sympathy goes out to you all. May god give you the strength. to get through this. Laurie was one of a kind and she will be missed deeply. I met her about 8 years ago and I have to say I was a little intimidated by her at first. She spoke her mind and didn’t hold back. If you wanted an honest opinion about something she was the one you would go to. She was the strongest woman I know. She was independent and did things on her terms and I admired that. She loved her work and that woman had unlimited energy. She could run circles around anyone. We got close and she treated me like family and I felt the same about her. We talked multiple times a week and I will really miss our conversations. She was a little fireball but she had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Even when she was not feeling good she would still call to check in. That’s the type of person she was. If she knew one of us had an appointment,  she would call to see how it went. I really think she had a secret calendar because she always knew our appointments. If we were sick she would offer to drive all the way up here to bring us cold medicine or whatever we needed. Like I said she was one of a kind. She had a great husband and children. They were there for her always and when she got sick they all pitched in to help. She was so proud of her children. Jillian, when you told her you got tickets for you and her to see Queen,  she was so excited and she said she had such a great time. That was such a special night. She told us all about it. That made her so happy. I see her in you because you have that same strength and kind heart and independence. Then came Leo and she was over the moon. She would call and tell us things he did and his milestones and I promise you  she was so proud and I have so many pictures and videos she sent that my I cloud is almost full. She led such a full life. She loved hosting parties or just having a few friends over for lunch. She was always on the move. I told her many times, I have no idea how you do it all. I know I couldn’t keep up with her. She was fun and just had a different way about her. She cracked me up all the time with some of the things she said. I loved her and miss her so much. I know she fought a long battle and she did it with strength, courage and dignity. She had so many friends and I know everyone is feeling the loss. She had such an impact on many lives and she will be remembered fondly. Love and miss you Laurie. You will be in many hearts forever.

October 17, 2024

Chris, Daniel and Jillian,
We are so sorry for your loss of a wonderful wife and mother. I admired Laurie’s strength and courage as she lived a full life while fighting the good fight against the cancer that finally claimed her life. Bob and I will remember her smile. laugh and joyful attitude! We were lucky to have known her.
 
Bob and Lisa Costello

October 17, 2024

Chris, Daniel and Jillian, 
We are so sorry to hear of Laurie’s passing. What a wonderful person she was! We remember spending time with her, and all of you, when Schaeffer Elementary school was our favorite place. She was always so friendly and fun. We remember her just like this photo, always with a smile on her face. May her memory be a blessing to you all.  Cindy and Mike Butz

October 16, 2024

So Sorry to hear of Laurie’s passing. Our Family will always have  fond memories spending time together with Laurie, Chris, Daniel and Jillian.
Thoughts and Prayers from
The Favro’s 
 

October 16, 2024

I’m so sorry for your loss of Laurie!  She was one of the most loving, kind, considerate, compassionate friend I have ever known!!!  We worked together at Costello Builders and were personal friends!!!!  When I talked to her a couple of weeks ago, I knew the end was close, but she asked about my grandchildren and we talked about Leo and the joy he was!! I’m so sorry I can’t be there for the visitation, as I’m in Florida for a few weeks. I will never forget your dear wife, mother and grandmother and the beautiful lady she was. She fought a good fight!!!  I love you Laurie!!!  Cheryl Fossi 

October 16, 2024

B I U

October 16, 2024

My deepest sympathy Chris to you and your family. I knew Laurie for many years through Nanette and Doug. She was truly a lovely person.

October 16, 2024

Laurie was the best neighbor and friend I could ask for. She was always so generous, kind-hearted, and full of fun! I will hold our time together forever in my heart. Laurie would give you the shirt off her back. She is always quick to listen, give adivce, open her home, and she sure threw amazing parties! One of my favorite memories was her Christmas Pajama party! Laurie and I shared the love of the beach. She shared her beautiful Florida home with my family and we had the best time. I always admired her knack for interior design and her homes were always immaculately decorated. Her advice with our home renovation was invaluable and I will always be grateful to her suggesting knitting needles grey for our first floor paint color! Laurie always took an interest in my children as they grew up and my fur babes!  As she battled her illness, she still managed to think of others and was always looking for ways to give to others. My family was so fortunate to know her and will miss her so much. 
Kimberly Romero

October 16, 2024

Dear Chris, Daniel and Jillian – Our sincere condolences to all of you.  She was an incredibly strong woman and lived life on her terms.  I will always be in awe of how hard she fought through these past years.  Anyone lucky enough to know her was able to see the funny, feisty, beautiful person she was.  I felt blessed to be a small part of her life. Prayers for all of you as you navigate through these next few months.  Love to all of you – Nanette and Doug Soliday

October 15, 2024

I am so very sorry for very sad loss of this beautiful soul. Laurie was a wonderful light and quite a warrior. She will be missed by so many. Sending so much Light and love ❤️ 
Jennifer Miller

Visitation
Sunday, October 20, 2024
1:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Sunday, October 20, 2024
2:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

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