Diane Dawson Collins

Diane Dawson Collins, 79, of Elmira, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Diane was born in St Johnsbury, Vermont to James and Ruth Dawson. She graduated from St Johnsbury Academy in 1963 and the University of Vermont with a degree as a Dental Hygienist in 1965. She married Jerry Collins in May 1965. They relocated to New York in 1967, first to Horseheads before moving to Elmira in 1973. She spent several years raising her girls before going to work for Dr. Art Miller until she retired.

Diane is survived by her loving husband of almost 60 years, Jerry Collins, daughter Stephanie Bronk and husband Dan of Fairport, NY and daughter Tracy Vaughn and husband Chris of Willow Park, Texas. Grandchildren, Jessica (Josh) Niedt, Erika (John) Holden, Sarah (Erik) Barkstrom, Molly Bronk, Mark Vaughn, Hayley Bronk, and great grandchildren, Kylie, James, and Haylie Niedt. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, extended family, and close friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, brother John, and sister Carol.

Diane’s family would like to thank the staff of the memory care unit at Elderwood of Waverly for their faithful, loving care.

In lieu of flowers, Diane’s family would ask for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Meridian Centre Blvd., Ste 110, Rochester NY 14816 or to the Memory Care Unit at Elderwood, 37 N Chemung Street, Waverly NY 14892..

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Diane on Saturday, May 31, 2025, 12:00 noon, at St. Patrick's Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira. A livestream of the Mass will be available through the Facebook page for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCatholic).