Eileen (Lake) Collins, 65, of South Bend, passed away surrounded by loved ones on June 12, 2022, at the Raclin House, after a period of declining health.

Eileen was born September 4, 1956, in South Bend, to the late Leonard R. and Veronica T. (Moore) Lake. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Lukasiak, adopted sister Yvonne Levine and dear friends Nancy Wickizer and Mary Danielowicz.

Eileen was a 1974 graduate of LaSalle High School and later earned her Associates degree from IVY Tech.  She was a talented self-employed graphic designer and retired in 2004 after 10 years. Eileen loved graphic design work and being her own boss was the only way to go. She was a true “do it yourself” gal and took great pride in refurbishing /rebuilding her entire home. She loved being outdoors and tending her whimsical garden and picturesque pond that she designed and built.

She is survived by a son, Terrence “JR” Collins Jr., of Mishawaka, her grandson, Terrence “Trace” Collins III, of Niles, MI, a daughter, Katie (Joshua) Boren of South Bend,

sisters, Cathy “Casey” (Frank) Legare of Irmo, SC, JoAnn (Charles) Coughlin of Oxford, IN, her brother, Alan “Jake” (Ann) Lake of Albion, MI, her adopted siblings, Yvette (Jim) Johnson of South Bend, Lawrence Levine of Detroit, MI. She is also survived by Elizabeth Wickizer, her dedicated and beloved caregiver, and her 3 children Faith, Carter and Lucas who knew Eileen as “Goompa", as did the other Wickizer children.

Eileen was blessed to be loved by so many friends. Left to treasure special memories with her are her lifelong special sisters from the “Not So Secret Ya Ya Society”, Beth Berry, Carol Clark, Susan Dosmann, Mary Erickson, Patty Gabbard, Lisa Merrill, Joni Nedderman, Patty Thornberg, and Louann Zima.  She also valued her friendship and memorable moments and laughter with longtime friend, Jim Feece.

Eileen embraced culture and diversity, and was not shy about voicing her thoughts and opinions. She had a unique gift to see the something special in everyone, and used it to mentor and encourage people at every opportunity. Young people were often drawn to her youthful exuberance and she would respond with great love, serving up sound advice along with a cup of laughter. She dearly loved spending time with Andra, Jenneisha “Nook”, Sabrina, Ally, Timmy, Jordan, Genesis, Sarah and Reshell.

Eileen’s spirit and laughter will live on inside everyone who knew and loved her. Please join us for a time of sharing and remembrance at 1 PM on Sunday, July 10, 2022 at the Hurwhich pavilion located at St. Patrick’s Park, South Bend, IN. There will be a light meal served, and all are asked to wear a funny hat in her memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, 620 W. Edison Rd #122, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Palmer Funeral Home, Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, IN is assisting the family with arrangements.

06/23/2022 JFC