Cathleen Carol Collins was born in on 31 December 1951 in Lynnwood California: A little Christmas carol for her parents, John and Patricia Collins and her older sister Ann Elizabeth, who was born just 13 months earlier. From the start, Cathy was an observant child with opinions. At one point she thought it might be a good idea to return her new baby sister, Debbie, born in 1955. She was also initially determined to become either a trapeze artist or school teacher. Her time was split between the backyard swing set and the classroom she set up for her dolls with a chalkboard and homemade books. She eventually became set on becoming a teacher.

Cathy had at least a passing interest in just about everything under the sun (except possibly math). She had a real gift for languages and became fluent in Spanish fairly early. She then went on to become fluent in French and studied Hebrew, Italian, Arabic or whatever language was spoken in the next country to be visited on her trips. Cathy graduated Phi Beta Cappa from Mary Washington College (now University of Mary Washington) specializing in Latin American Studies. She then went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Latin American Studies from UCLA and then studied to become a certified teacher, doing her student teaching in Spain. She then went on to become an elementary school teacher in New York and then Calexico. Although respiratory issues eventually curtailed her grade school teaching she never lost her interest in education. She recently participated with great pleasure in teaching English as a Second Language classes for recent immigrants to the Portsmouth area. She found her students enriching and a delight.

After leaving teaching she began a career with the US government involving situational analysis and knowledge of foreign languages. She started with English (!) living in London while working at the American Embassy. After moving back to the US, she worked in several positions with the Coast Guard and the Department of Defense. She never lost her love of travel and visited may countries throughout the world both through her work and for pleasure. Her wonderful sister Ann sadly passed away at the age of 23. Her sister Debbie joined forces with her on traveling for pleasure. Cathy was a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and delightful traveling companion.

Cathy never lost her interest in people and the world. She had hundreds of books and almost ever topic was a subject of interest and discussion. She was a wonderful teacher and companion and a dear and loving sister. She was deeply loved in return and is very sorely missed.

Cathy passed away on 4 November 2023 at the age of 72. Burial will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Orange California where she will be laid with Ann and her parents.