Joann Collins (nee Koziol)

Joann M. Collins of South Bend, Indiana, formerly of Hammond, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, July 15th, 2018. Joann was born in Hammond, Indiana on August 16th, 1937 to the late Joseph and Mary Koziol.  She was preceded in death by her first husband, Brandon Kurth. Joann moved to South Bend, Indiana after marrying William Collins who also preceded her in death.

Joann is survived by her daughters, MaryBeth Kurth and Melissa Mersits (Tony), both of South Bend; her two granddaughters, Katelyn and Meredith Mersits; her brother Joseph (JoAnne) Koziol and nieces and nephews.

Joann grew up in Hegewisch, Illinois. She attended St. Florian School and graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School. In 1962, Joann married Brandon Kurth and started their family.  They were together until his passing in 1978. While working as an office manager in Hammond, Indiana, Joann met and married the debonair, William Collins. Joann and Bill liked to travel, go to horse races, play cards and spend time with friends.

While visiting England, Joann became quite fond of English Gardens which developed her love of gardening.  Joann loved the Chicago Bears and her Cubbies but most of all her granddaughters. She was her granddaughters’ biggest fan at school plays and sporting events. Joann enjoyed meeting new people and she was never shy about introducing herself to someone or starting conversations with strangers.

A Memorial Service will be held on August 24th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CST at Opyt Funeral Home in Chicago, Illinois.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer Association, American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.