Tribute

Ann, beloved Mother, Grandmother, Aunt (fondly known as "Ant Ann"), and friend, passed away at home with her daughter Ellen by her side, where she had lived for 61 years, overlooking Cheyenne Mountain and Pikes Peak. Ann was pure-hearted and kind. She always placed others' well-being before her own and lived independently until her final months, grateful for the generosity and support of family, friends, and neighbors. Sentimental by nature, Ann kept every card, letter, and photo she received, treasuring those from her family in New York, especially her dear nieces with whom she frequently spoke. She loved sending greeting cards for every holiday. She was kind to service workers and strangers she encountered with offerings of readily available snacks or tips. She remained devoted to giving until the end of her life. She always managed to donate to charities that served less fortunate people or innocent animals. Ann's love for family matched her devotion to animals, especially cats. She always had a feline companion and cared for neighborhood strays, often feeding mother cats and their kittens. Her generosity extended to dog owners and fellow cat lovers, as she shared treats and conversation. Ann appreciated the arts, teaching herself drawing and calligraphy, and found joy in classical music, especially Puccini's operas. Most of all, she was passionate about reading and sharing the written word. Never without library books or second-hand finds, she enjoyed poetry, psychology, religion, and favored detective mysteries and thrillers. She thoughtfully gifted books to loved ones based on shared interests. Her enthusiasm for reading led her to volunteer with the Pikes Peak Library District and later work as a long-term assistant for the Plains and Peaks Library District. This liaison program helped schools and small communities access books and media. She cherished selecting books for patrons and used her creativity to design and edit materials, including a monthly newsletter. In mid-life, she attended Pikes Peak State College, zealously studying literature, French, and psychology, including study of the aging process, death and dying, and hospice care innovations. One of her most meaningful assignments in Psychology of Death & Dying was writing about her hopes for the experience of dying, reflecting her thoughtful nature. She was pleased to be able to donate her body to Sciencecare as a final act of giving. While in the care of Abode Hospice, she received loving care and support from her assigned nurse, social worker, and chaplain. Ann formed a deep and meaningful friendship with her hospice volunteer, whose companionship brought her joy. She found peace reading devotional books, especially A Cherokee Feast of Days. Though she explored many religious and spiritual traditions as an adult, her faith remained rooted in her Catholic upbringing, and she drew comfort from her beliefs in the afterlife and resurrection.

Friends & Family

Ann Marie Hyland Collins was born on Sept 25, 1933, in Manhattan, NYC, New York, to James and Anna Hyland. She passed away on Dec 30, 2024. She is survived by daughter Ellen Wolfis (Steve), grandson Lucas Ross, son-in-law Scott Pierce, step-grandchildren Vanessa Wolfis (Ali Baig), Dan Wolfis (Katie), and step-great-grandson Logan Wolfis. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephew, Sandra Damron, Janis Hyland, Elaine Peary (Bill), Mary Ruth Rice, Amy Sicina (Jeff) and Ted Hyland, as well as their children and grandchildren. Ann was preceded in death by her daughter Kristie Collins, her parents Col. James F. and Anna M. Hyland, brothers James Hyland, Robert Hyland, and sister Betty Damron. Ann cherished her friends & neighbors (forgive any omissions by Ellen), please know Ann held you in her heart. Thank you to friends and family from afar who visited her: Suzy, the Little-Rea family, Adell, and Kelly. Thanks to those who sent support via phone, text, cards & letters: Elaine, Amy, Janis, Toots, Linda, and John. Appreciation for the kindness from Patty and Ken, Jill, Betty, Nancy and others who visited & provided practical aid, meals & gifts. Olivia, Nikole, and the nursing staff from Abode Hospice gave helpful and caring assistance. Accolades to Ann’s primary care nurse Cara and visiting volunteer Cheri who, through actions and kind words, provided compassionate care. Thanks to all the Colo family members, especially Steve, Scott, Lucas, and Mary for their unfailing love and support. Special thanks to Sandra for many things, the therapy kitten visits were the best.