Monday, November 14, 2011

Eleanor H. (Meredith) Collins

Apache Junction, AZ -- Surrounded by her loving family, Eleanor Hazel (nee: Meredith) Collins, 88, formerly of Racine, passed away at her winter residence on November 14, 2011.

Eleanor was born in Racine on September 11, 1923, to Thomas and Clara (nee: Maertz) Meredith. She was married to Edmond Collins on February 7, 1942, at Holy Innocents Church in Racine.

Eleanor was born to deaf parents and became very active with the deaf community in Racine and Kenosha, making it possible for the deaf to lead more productive and active lives. She taught ASL (American Sign Language) classes at Gateway Technical College for over 10 years, she worked as an interpreter for the State of Wisconsin for 12 years and for many years was the only interpreter in Racine and Kenosha. Eleanor was a member of the Racine/Kenosha Club of the Deaf; Wisconsin and National Associations of the Deaf; National RID (Registered Interpreters of the Deaf); a charter member of the Wisconsin chapter of the National RID; and Children of Deaf Adults (CODA). Eleanor edited the Racine/Kenosha Deaf Club newsletter and received several service awards, including the Golden Hands Award from the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf.

Survivors include her loving husband of 69 years, Edmond; daughters, Lynne (Don) Berg of Shorewood, WI, and Diane Stinehart of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Erica (Dan) Polly of Madison, WI, and Kristen (Ryan) Miller of Glendale, WI; great-grandchildren, Gabe and Kaylie Polly; brother, Tony (Linda) Meredith of Racine; sister-in-law, Geraldine (Allen) Hanson of Baileys Harbor, WI; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and last, but not least, her dear friends within the Kenosha-Racine Deaf community to whom she was so devoted.

In accordance with Eleanor's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in Racine next Spring. Memorials to the Racine-Kenosha Club of the Deaf, c/o David Otto, 1870 16th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140 have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888

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