Obituary of Sharon Marie Collins

Sharon Marie Collins, 49, of 6209 Oakridge Rd., Auburn, passed away, Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at Auburn Community Hospital following a courageous battle with ALS. Sharon was born in Auburn and was the daughter of Henry and Nancy Marquart Smith. She was a 1983 Auburn Hiigh School graduate and received her Bachelors Degree in Human Services from CCC and Empire State. She was formerly employed with Cayuga Home for Children as a counselor and Big Brothers Big Sisters. She later became director of the YMCA's Y-Pals where she took great pride in mentoring local youth. She was employed with Cayuga Counseling Services as a director at the time her illness began. To have known Sharon, was to have loved her. Her contagious laugh, her joy and excitement for a party, her famous, "OH HONEY!", with a 'Tap', (or several taps on your arm) as she told a good story, and her sparkling eyes and bright smile are just a few attributes that made her so special to so many. She had a love for dancing, boating and shopping, and an everlasting love for her children and her husband. She will always be remembered for her kindness and enthusianm for life , her willingness to help others, especially our local youth by lending a sincere ear and by giving sound advice when it was most needed. Sharon is survived by her parents, Henry and Nancy Smith; her loving husband of 25 years , John T. Collins and by her three adoring children, Melanie, Mitchell and Melissa Collins , by many aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews and by countless friends that were like sisters to her in so many ways. She was precedeased by a special grandmother, Stella Smith , whom she spoke often of. Friends are invited to call on Monday, December 7 from 4-8pm at Sacred Heart Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, December 8 at 10:30am at the church. The omission of flowers is requested by the family . Those wishing may make contributions to the Auburn Y-Pals Mentoring Program for Youth, 27 William St., Auburn, NY 13021, Attn: Johanna Lynch in memory of Sharon. Langham Funeral Home, LLC is handling arrangements.