Obituary: NADINE R. COLLINS (nee Fondriest)

NADINE R. COLLINS (nee Fondriest), age 88. Loving and devoted wife to William R. Collins (deceased), passed away in her sleep on February 21, 2018. Nadine is survived by her nine children, William, Jr. (Patti), Maureen Sorensen (Keith), Kathy Tobasko (Andrew), Lori Duraj (John), Eileen Battles (Stephen), Tom (Elaine), Nadine Maynard (Murray), Patrick (Nancy), and Brian (Laura); sisters Jean Fondriest and Marian Karl (John (deceased)); and brothers Ron Fondries (Sue) and Ervin Fondriest (Annalee); She was blessed to have 23 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Nadine is preceded in death by her parents James and Sybilla Fondriest and her brothers Earl Fondriest (Mary) and Eldon Fondriest. She was born and raised in Dover, OH, helping on the family farm until she went to nursing school in Pittsburgh, PA. It was there that she met the love of her life.  Bill was a patient in the hospital and Nadine was his student nurse.  They married on Thanksgiving weekend 66 years ago. Nadine worked as a nurse in Louisiana where Bill was stationed in the service and it was there they started their family. After moving to Pittsburgh then to Cleveland, she continued to grow her family while working at Bedford Hospital in Labor and Delivery. Nadine had the privilege of helping hundreds of parents welcome their babies into the world.  She retired from her career after working for the local family doctor. She was a dedicated, loving, and caring person, so being a nurse was easy and natural for her. Nadine dedicated her life to her family and her faith.  Through her actions, she taught her children what is important in life. Her focus on family has been passed to her children and grandchildren who will continue to keep her spirit alive.  Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 WEST AURORA RD. (OH RT 82), SAGAMORE HILLS FOR VISITATION ON FRIDAY FROM 2-4 AND 6-8 P.M. Funeral Saturday 9 a.m. at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church – Bedford. Interment All Saints Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested in her name to St. Jude Research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Gifts, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.