Susan Elizabeth Collins
On Friday, March 10, 2023, Susan Elizabeth (Baker) Collins, loving wife, mother, and
grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home in St. Louis, Missouri. She was 77 years old.
Susan was born on September 26, 1945, in Elmira, New York. She spent most of her life in her
beloved hometown, graduating from Elmira Free Academy in 1963 and Elmira College in 1967.
She met Peter Monroe Collins during her years in college, and the couple married in Elmira on
September 9, 1967. After raising a family and creating a lifetime of memories, Susie moved to
St. Louis in 2018 to spend her final years in the comfort of her son’s home.
Susan is survived by her son Cameron Mallinson-Hill Collins of St. Louis, MO, daughter
Alexandra Craig (Bancha) Srikacha of Purchase, NY, and granddaughter Jaime Elizabeth Burless
of Purchase, New York. Other dear surviving family members include younger brother Rollin
Peter (Mary Elizabeth) Baker of Troy, Pennsylvania, younger sister Mary Louise (Mark)
Bannerman of Whiteville, North Carolina, and cousin Lucy Craig Snyder of Newtonville,
Massachusetts.
Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Monroe Collins, mother Helen Elizabeth
Turner, and older sister Helen Welthea Baker (Richard) Christman.
Susan was an exceptional mother, an equal partner in marriage, and a caring friend to many.
She was brilliant, hardworking, and rarely without an opinion. A faithful member of Trinity
Episcopal Church, Susie adored entertaining and laughing with friends. She often welcomed
friends and family into her beautiful Elmira home, but her favorite place on earth was in a
simple camper outside of town, overlooking a valley. That is where she found peace, a place
where she could grow flowers, get lost in a novel, and share a Manhattan cocktail with her
husband Peter.
Susie spent most of her career in the social work field. Her early career focused on eldercare
and nursing home administration, but she later became an advocate for children, especially
through her tireless support of foster and adoptive parents. One of her greatest joys was
working as a volunteer and board member for Strong Kids Safe Kids, an annual festival in
Chemung County with the simple goal of helping kids feel happy and secure.
A memorial service with be held on a date to be determined in Elmira, New York later this year.
She will be interred next to her husband in Cedars, a family cemetery in Solon, New York.
In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Strong Kids Safe Kids of Chemung County.
This is a beautiful tribute. Rest in Peace, Sister
She was an amazing advocate for children and a wonderful friend . I was so happy for her being able to spend her final years in St.Louis in the loving care of her son and daughter.
What a wonderful tribute. Susie was a dear friend and confidant. Alex, you are my birthday girl as we share April 14th. Both you and Cameron made your Mom so proud. I have so many happy memories of times spent with Susie.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory
.
Having worked alongside Susie as a Stong Kids Safe Kids Board member for over 20 years, I can tell you that she was not just involved in that organization. She was our President and the face of that organization, and probably the biggest reason that it grew to be the amazing event that it is. Her joy of life was palpable, and I will never forget her.
I’m not crying, you’re crying… She was also an avid supporter of Scouting. She remained and as a Counselor for Citizenship Merit Badges for many years. She will live on through her actions and dedication to others.
A toast to years of friendship and memories drawn around her hospitality and love and a toast to her family. With love, Stephen Nagle
She and Peter were wonderful people and it was a privilege to spend part of my childhood growing-up across the street from them. Then, later, meeting them both again when Peter became involved in Troop 101 at Hendy Avenue School.
I extend my sympathy to Cameron and Alex. As we all know Susan was an amazing person, kind, and always supportive. Susan and Peter really changed my life with Scouting in Troop 11. I still remember being a young Tenderfoot reciting the scout laws and oath. Simply put, I would not be were I am today without the unwaivering support I received from both of them. I truly believe these they were amongst the most influencial folks for me growing up in Elmira. I have many fond memories of both and it is hard to believe they are gone, both far too soon.
My dear cousin Susie kept in close touch with me throughout the years. I spent most Christmases with the Collins family and some summer visits in Elmira and in St. Louis. I always felt welcome and at home. Susie loved to read, talk politics, cook, entertain friends and work intensely at jobs to help others. I will miss her so much.
I just read about Susie’s death in our local paper here in Elmira, NY. I realized that this was the same Susan Baker (Collins) who was my next door neighbor on Mulberry Street in Montour Falls, NY. She was my best friend back then, and I also remember playing with her older sister, Welthea and their younger brother Pete Baker who was my younger brother’s good friend. I remember being crushed when they moved away and I never saw Susie after that (looking back, I’m not sure why our parents didn’t help us get together, considering she only moved to Elmira). I also have fond memories of Susie’s cousin, Craig Snyder and playing with her at her home called Westover Hills also in Montour Falls. It sounds like she lived a very happy and productive life, surrounded by friends, family and much love. Susie, may you rest in peace my old friend.