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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Collins, Mary Christine

Age 49

COLLINS, Mary Christine (Age 49) Mary “Chris” Christine Collins, October 8, 1964 - April 23, 2014 Chris, treasured wife, daughter, sister, auntie, and friend went home to Jesus on April 23, 2014, leaving behind her loving husband, Bruce England; mother, Maryjon Endicott (husband Bill Powell); father, Larry Collins (wife Charlotte); sister, Cathie Hansen (husband Johnny); brothers: Sean Snyder, Ryan Collins (wife Shannon); nieces: Jenna Gines (husband Addison), Addie Hansen, Autumn Collins; nephews: Kolby Kurek, Aaron Kurek, Walker Hansen, Cade Collins, and Bruce’s three children, Autumn Chandler, Nerissa England, and Andrew England.

Chris was raised in Spokane and graduated class of 1983 from Mead High School.

She attended EWU and received a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Communications and a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning.

She was employed as a Regional Planner by the State of Washington, Office of Drinking Water.

Chris was passionate about collectables, including Wizard of Oz, Expo ‘74 memorabilia, roosters, Annalee dolls, and Elvis.

She loved cats and rescued several over the years.

Her favorite music included selections from KISS, Styx, Elton John, Elvis, and Pat Benatar.

Her favorite holiday was Halloween and everyone looked forward to her costumes.

Chris had a deep love and appreciation for the Davenport Hotel and wrote her Master’s Degree Thesis on the history of the Davenport.

As a final request for family and friends, Chris wrote in her journal “If there must be a memorial service, have it at my beautiful Davenport Hotel in the Isabella or Elizabethan room and dance around the Hall of Doges and laugh and sing, and remember how I love that place; it’s part of me!”

Her family and friends are comforted in the knowledge of her magnificent faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She reminds us, “Know that when I am gone, Grandma Collins and I will be hiking all over Heaven together, Grandpa Collins, Uncle Bill, and I will be singing a song, and Nana and I will be painting a picture.”

Chris’ enthusiasm for life, her smile, and loud laugh (literally LOL) was contagious.

Her nieces and nephews will tell you that she treated them as though they were her own children, was there for them in all their endeavors, and she was truly the best Auntie ever.

Words cannot express how very much she will be missed.

Chris was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer on August 14, 2012, at age 47.

She became passionate about colon cancer awareness and urges everyone to be screened before age 50.

We would like to thank The Hospice House of Spokane and Sacred Heart Hospital for their excellent care of our beloved Chris.

We would also like to thank the State of Washington for supporting her throughout her battle.