Obituaries

Mary Lou (Bunce) Collins passed away Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Perrysburg Healthcare and Rehabilitation. Prior to her residence there, Mary Lou resided in Coldwater, Michigan, and before that, Perrysburg, Ohio.

Mary Lou was born March 14, 1937, to Earl A. and Lucille B. Bunce. Mary Lou grew up in Maumee, Ohio, and graduated from Maumee High School in 1955. Shortly after graduating, she married John “Jack” Collins who predeceased her in 2021. Jack and Mary Lou settled in Perrysburg where they raised their three children. The love of each other’s lives, Jack never called Mary Lou by her name, but rather by “Honey”, so much so that when their children were young, they thought their Mom’s name was Honey.

Mary Lou spent most of her years as a homemaker, although did work administrative positions at various places, most recently at the Anderson’s Service Shop in Maumee.

She was the consummate Mother and would do anything for her children. She worked very hard to instill in them good values, good work ethics, kindness, respect, and the list goes on. Even as her memory faded in her last days and she had forgotten nearly everything else, she still recognized and called her children by name.

To say Mary Lou had many friends is an understatement. Pretty much anyone she met became a friend. This was due at least in part, to her quick-witted sense of humor, but mostly because of her kindness and willingness to accept everyone for who they are.

Mary Lou and Jack moved to their Michigan “respite” – their dream retirement home on Lake Morrison in Coldwater, Michigan, in 2000. They enjoyed fishing and many pontoon boat rides with their family and friends, as well as many social outings with their friends from the North Chain Boat Club. They loved sitting on their porch taking in the spectacular view of Lake Morrison. They engaged in many “discussions” about important topics such as, which ducklings belonged to which parents, why so and so was driving the wrong way on the lake, and of course the never-ending whose turn was it to make the coffee.

Mary Lou was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Coldwater and a previous member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Perrysburg. She also enjoyed membership with the American Legion Auxiliary as well as the Eagles, Elks, and Moose Lodges. Mary Lou also volunteered for many years at the Branch Area Food Bank.

Mary Lou is survived by her children; Jim (Dawn) Collins, Laurie (Dave) Creps, and Pam (Gene) McMillin. Also surviving are her six grandchildren; Katie McMillin, Jennifer McMillin, Brandon (Brittany Koepfer) Collins, Shannon Batch, Brooke Collins, and Mallory (Dominic) DeCesare. Mary Lou was also blessed with three great grandchildren, Jack and Eva Parsons, and Blayke Gilliam. In addition to her husband, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Robert Bunce, Sr.

Friends will be received at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary in Perrysburg from 3:00 – 7:00 on Friday, November 10, with Rosary reciting at 6:30. The funeral Mass will be Saturday, November 11, at 11:00 at All Saints Catholic Church, 628 Lime City Road, Rossford. Memorial contributions may be made to the Branch Area Food Bank, Coldwater, MI; Saint Rose Catholic Church, Perrysburg; or All Saints Catholic Church, Rossford. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.