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Michelle Collins

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Michelle Suzanne (Chapman) Collins, 56, of Carefree, passed away on July 26, 2017 in Scottsdale, AZ. She was born on November 1, 1960 to Gerald and Dorothy Chapman in Bloomington, IL. She initially attended grade school in Marshall, MN but finished up her grade school and high school education in Janesville, MN after the family had moved there. She continued her education at St. Catherine's College in St. Paul, MN before transferring and graduating with a B.A. in Journalism from Mankato State University (MSU - now Minnesota State University) in 1983. 
It was at MSU where Michelle met and married her husband Tim Collins in 1982. Upon graduation Michelle worked in the newspaper business for a couple of years before venturing into the stockbrokerage business as a registered associate. In 1987 the couple moved to AZ, with Michelle working for Rauscher, Pierce Refsnes and later Shearson Lehman, then stepping away from work to focus on the birth of her first child Keegan and then 16.5 months later, her second child Caitlin. She was so proud of both Keegan and Caitlin. She volunteered weekly at their school and they were the most important people in her world. After they got into junior high school, Michelle became a teacher and worked at that same school, Desert Willow Elementary School in the Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD). She especially loved the children who were her students and would revel when those students and former ones rushed up to give her a hug. 
Michelle will be missed for her friendly smile, caring personality and the love she bestowed on those around her. If you were lucky enough to be Michelle's friend, you know how much she cared about those closest to her and people in general. 
Family was foremost for Michelle and some of her fondest memories were those of spending time with her husband, children, parents and siblings along with numerous nieces and nephews. She especially liked the family camping trips to Northern Arizona where everyone would be around the campfire laughing and telling old stories. While her time on God's earth was cut way too short, her impact on family and friends was great. 
She enjoyed friends and neighbors from when she lived at Tatum Ranch and her current home in Carefree, many of whom have become long-time friends. Some of her favorite times recently were those spent with the self-proclaimed "Cave Creek Perfectly Marvelous Sisterhood (PMS Gals)" with whom she shared countless coffees, laughs, lunches, hikes and Kiwanis Marketplace trips. She spoke of you all often and valued your friendship. 
Michelle is survived by her loving spouse of 34 years, Tim, her son Keegan and daughter Caitlin. Also her Mother and Father - Dorothy and Jerry Chapman; sister Kate Duncan; sister Ann Chapman; brother Joe Chapman (Lori); brother Matt Chapman (Heidi); Mother and father-in-law Marian and Robert Collins; sister-in-law Kathy Pavlak (Reg); Mary Richter (Rick); Maureen Collins; brother-in-law Tom Collins (Gina) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 
Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday August 1st at 11 am at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Community, 32648 N. Cave Creek Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to either Phoenix Children's Hospital - 2929 E Camelback Road Suite 122. Phoenix AZ 85016 (602-933-4483) or the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (27026 N 156th Street. Scottsdale AZ 85262. (480-471-9109)) in Michelle's name.

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Michelle Collins Obituary | Altogether

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Michelle Suzanne Collins

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