Obituaries
Geneva Teacher and Principal Norm Collins Dies at 80
He had a rare gift and love for teaching children and won several "Educator of the Year" awards.
- This obituary is courtesy of Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home in The Villages, FL.
Norman Arthur Collins, 80, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2013. Mr. Collins was born in Momence, IL on March 3, 1933. He moved to The Villages in 2000 from Connestee Falls, NC.
Norm retired after a long and rewarding career as an elementary school teacher and principal, mostly spent in Geneva, Illinois.
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He had a rare gift and love for teaching children and won several “Educator of the Year” awards. His co-workers said he combined warmth, artistry, enthusiasm, structure, flexibility, and humor to create a model teaching environment. Many of his former students kept in touch with him through the years and fondly recall the positive effect he had on their lives.
Norm was an avid fisherman who fished almost every opportunity he could. He also excelled at basketball, playing his entire life and even winning several gold medals at the Florida Senior Olympics. Church and service to his community were very important to him. Through his church, Norm led youth groups, helped renovate housing for those in need, and continued to teach. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Belleview, Florida.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years Belle; daughter Lisa Muir (John), son Neal Collins (Daisy); grandchildren Andrew Brennan, Garrett Muir, Breanne Muir and Hunter Collins; three great grandchildren Ava Brennan, Ashton Brennan, and Keith Whelan (all from Illinois); his brother and sister in law, Bob and Sandy Collins of The Villages.
A memorial service will be held at 11AM on Friday May10th at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Belleview, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Belleview, Florida or the Villages Hospice House.
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
5750 115th Street (Babb Road)
Belleview, FL 34421
Villagers For Hospice
1114 Barcelona Drive
The Villages, FL 3215
http://www.villagersforhospice.org
Arrangements are by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, The Villages.
