Grace M. Collins, retired teacher

Grace M. Collins (Sheaffer,) 92, of Wenonah, N.J., passed away Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021.  She was born in Lewes to the late Grace and Benjamin Sheaffer. 

She is survived by her beloved husband of 73 years, John “Estee” H. Collins; a very special friend, neighbor and second daughter Susan Baresich, her husband David and their daughters; and lots of nieces, nephews, family and friends. She is preceded in death by her siblings Ben Sheaffer (Phyllis), Ruth Campbell and Nancy Beauchamp.

Grace grew up in Ocean View, where she spent a memorable life with her late brother Ben. She attended Lord Baltimore School and was a member of Mariner's Bethel Church. After moving to New Jersey, she acquired two teaching degrees, her bachelor's degree and master's degree from Glassboro State College, New Jersey. Grace later taught at Oak Valley Elementary School in Deptford, N.J. She spent two years as the school secretary and 28 years as a beloved second grade teacher before she retired. She loved to cook, bake, can vegetables, cross stitch, quilt, sew and go on cruises with her husband.  She even wrote and illustrated a children's book titled "Willy, Zilly, and the Little Bantems."

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Grace Collins’ name to Mariner’s Bethel Church, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970.  A graveside service will be held Saturday, Jan. 23, at 2 p.m., at Roxana Cemetery in Sussex County.