Alfreda Janet Collins

Alfreda Janet Collins (nee Lechene), 91, of Wellington, surrounded by her loving family, passed away at home, Friday, April 4, 2025 following a brief illness. Alfreda, affectionately known as “Fred” to her friends, was born February 20, 1934 in Saint Lawrence, Pennsylvania to Angeline Lechene. Her father, Alfred, passed just months before her birth. Alfreda married James Collins September 17, 1949 at the age of 15, and together they raised their 7 children. Always a hard worker, Alfreda enjoyed growing the largest of gardens and canning an abundance of vegetables. Along with Jim, you’d find her in the woods hunting or at the lake fishing, always filling the freezer with meat. An avid baker and cook, Alfreda made sure her home was always open to family and friends for a treat or an amazing home-cooked meal. “Fred” had different jobs along the years, from a nurse’s aide, to a school bus driver, to an activities assistant in a nursing home. Of course, raising her 7 children kept her busy, too! She was also an everdoting grandma, teaching her grandchildren her survival, gardening, and cooking skills to last their lifetime! Through all this, her full-time focus was serving Jehovah God as a faithful follower. Baptized 69 years ago on March 24, 1956, she continued to share the Bible’s teachings through her last days. She was a member of The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Wellington for 67 years!

Alfreda is survived by her children, Patricia (Ronald) Smith and James (Carol) Collins of Lagrange, Michael (Deborah) Collins of New London, Karen Smith of Wellington, Timothy (Laurie) Collins of Medina, Randall (late Lori) Collins of Wellington and Beatrice (Eric) Krieg of Wellington; grandchildren, Karri, Dale, Michael, Paul, Kathy, Annette, Kristin, Thomas “TJ”, Erica, Charity, Andrea, Kenneth, Cody, Kyle, Cameron, Wesley, and Kayti; 34 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren (with another on the way!) Fred loved telling people of her large family!

She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, James in 1984; grandsons, James “Jimmy” Collins and Ronald “DJ” Smith; great grandson Jonathan Moore; parents; brothers, Albert, Wilfred, Patrick, Jules and William and a sister, Mary.

A memorial service will be at 3 pm, Sunday, May 4, 2025 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 615 W. Herrick Ave, Wellington, Ohio 44090 with Larry Young officiating.

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