Jean F (Chagnot) Collins

Jean F. Collins, 93, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, February 25, 2016, with her family by her side, following a long and fulfilling life. Jean was born March 14, 1922 in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Albert and Ethel (Meyer) Chagnot, and was a lifelong area resident. She graduated from Chaney High School in 1938 and from Youngstown College Business School with a secretarial degree in 1940. Jean worked at Truscon during World War II, and later as a bookkeeper for Collins Appliance and Furniture in Cortland. She was a member of Church Hill United Methodist Church in Liberty Township. She was an active member of the Sunrise Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star in Girard, where she was initiated on November 1, 1944. Over the years she served the organization as Ruth, as Chaplain, and as Treasurer from 2006 until 2014, when she was named Treasurer Emeritus of the organization upon her retirement. She received her 70 year membership pin in October of 2014. She was also active in Sunrise Auxiliary, where she served as an officer and started their Star Glazers ceramics group. She was also a member of the 32nd Club, and served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Liberty Masonic Complex. Jean was also active with the Order of the Rainbow for Girls, serving as the Mother Advisor of Girard Assembly #176 in 1975 and on the Advisory Board for many years, and as their scrapbook advisor for many years. She also worked for many years in the office of the Supreme Inspector at the Ohio Grand Assembly each summer. She was awarded the Grand Cross of Color in recognition of her service. She supported her children in the purchase of The Diamond Steel Construction Company, where she served as corporate secretary through the time of her death. She also supported family friend J.R. Selders in his pastorate of Christ’s Church in Boardman. She had served on the board of directors of the Youngstown Business Journal until 2014. She supported many charities including Sister Jerome’s ministry, Gretchen Reed’s Christmas at Liberty School, and the YSU Penguin Club. She enjoyed many crafts, especially scrapbooking, ceramics, and counted cross-stitch, and was an avid fan of the Youngstown State University football team, attending as many home games as possible. Her beloved husband of many years, Arnold Collins Jr., whom she married on July 3, 1941, passed away on October 23, 1995. Jean is survived by her two sons, David (Mary Ann) Collins of New Middletown, and Larry (Phyllis) Collins of Liberty Township; her daughter Arjean (James) Spaite of Boardman; seven grandchildren, Jonathan Collins of Poland, Shelby Collins of Huntington Beach, California, Ryan (Stephanie) Collins of Chicago, Illinois, Brianna (Arden) Brooks of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Daniel Spaite of Boardman, Matthew Spaite of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Adam Spaite of Boardman; and two great grandchildren Mason and Sadie Collins of Chicago.  Jean also leaves three step-grandchildren Michael (Ashly) Hodge, of Michigan, Kathy (George) Zoscsak of Holly Michigan and Richard (Aimee) Monk of Wixon, Michigan and step-great grandchildren Madison, Mackenzie, Schuyler, Ian and Rocco. Besides her husband, a sister Dorothy Chagnot, and a brother Albert Chagnot, preceded her in death. Her children would like to thank her friends who visited her and those who took such good care of her during her illness especially Amy Schwab and all the staff of Harbor Light Hospice.Family and friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard, with an Eastern Star Service at 7:45 PM and funeral service on Monday,  February 29, 2016 at 1:30 PM with the Reverend J.R. Selders presiding.  She will be entombed next to her husband at Belmont Park Cemetery. Visit www.blackstonefuneralhome.com to view this obituary and to send any condolences to the family.