Pauline Orilla Collett

Pauline's Life Story

Pauline Orilla Collett, age 94, passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at the Munson Hospice House in the loving care of her family.

The year 1921 was a time between world wars and President Harding signed the anti-beer bill prohibiting physicians from prescribing beer for medicinal purposes. Albert Einstein lectured on the theory of relativity while Babe Ruth set a record for career home runs and Ty Cobb got his 3000th hit. This was also a year of great celebration for the family of Edward and Emma Egeler, as they welcomed the birth of their fourth child, their daughter, Pauline, on October 3rd. Born on a farm in Omena Michigan, Pauline joined her family, oldest brother, George, sister Olean (Marge), and brother Ed.

Her father worked for the U.S. Post office and had a rural delivery route around the city of Northport and Omena. In the winter when roads weren't passable, he used a horse drawn sleigh to make the deliveries. He also supplemented his income and fed his family by farming. Her mother was a homemaker, and did her part to make sure that all the children always had whatever they needed.

Pauline attended school in Northport, and graduated from high school in 1939. She attended Central State College for one year then decided to enter nurses training, in Traverse City, in September of 1940.

In March of 1945, Pauline joined the Army Nursing Corp. She was in the service for 14 months, and given an honorable discharge. While she was stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington, training for overseas duty, WWII ended. After being discharged she moved to Chicago and worked at Hines Veterans Hospital.

While living in Chicago, she met Alfred R. (Dick) Collett. The couple married in July of 1948. In September of 1950 they were blessed with the birth of their son Richard (Mike). The birth of Mari, in 1956, completed their family.
Pauline enjoyed her nursing career at Traverse City State Hospital. She retired with 33 years of service in 1982.

With her free time, Pauline enjoyed many things. She enjoyed bowling, and bowled in a women's league. The family enjoyed taking vacations together, with an annual trip to Buffalo NY to visit relatives and see Niagara Falls. After retirement she enjoyed traveling with friends. She participated in church activities and also volunteered where she could. One of her main interests was playing games. She always played to win and didn't give any breaks, especially to family members. Later in life she became an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching sports of all kinds.

Pauline Collett was a loving and accepting woman who always kept busy. She was active in the lives of her family, and thought nothing was better than spending time together. Pauline leaves behind a rich mosaic of memories that will be forever treasured. With a life that spanned nearly a century, Pauline Collett made a lasting impact in the lives of numerous people. She was caring and compassionate, generous and selfless. A woman of faith, Pauline was always content with whatever she had and could find joy in the simplest of things. To Pauline, there was no greater treasure than the love shared among family. A sweeter grandmother would be hard to find. A truly remarkable woman, Pauline's unmatched legacy will continue to live on in the lives of those who follow her.

Pauline is survived by her children, Mike (Loree) Collett, and Mari (Ron) Mortenson; her grandchildren, Zach Collett, Shannon (Ivan) Poullaos, Jenny (Mike) Gruppen; great grandchildren Alex Poullaos, Alyssa & Abigail Gruppen; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, Dick, and her siblings, George, Marge and Ed.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 7, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held at Bible Baptist Church on Friday, July 8, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am with Pastor Joel Brown officiating, and Pastor Duane Cross participating. A graveside service will take place immediately following the 11:00 am service on Friday, July 8, at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Following the graveside service friends and family are invited to a luncheon that will be prepared at Bible Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Bible Baptist Church, 1915 Cass Street, Traverse City, MI 49684, and First Baptist Church, 9922 Water Street, Weston, MI 49289.

The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.