Denise Collins

Denise Andree Collins passed away on May15, 2026. Denise was born on September 27, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Joseph Gagnier and Huguette Filion Gagnier. Denise was the beloved life partner of Robert Maertens for 40 years. She was predeceased by her husband of 11 years, Norman Bruce Collins. She was the proud mother of Peter (Kimberly) Collins, Paul (Elizabeth) Collins and Shannon (Peter) Collins-Dompierre. She was the proud grandmother of Parker, Kerrigan, Braden, Kassidy, Juliette and Zane. Dear sister to Marcel Gagnier, the late Claire Michael Gagnier, Michelle Gagnier, Maurice (Melissa) Gagnier, Monique (Michael) Trombley and Paul (Linda) Gagnier. Cherished sister-in-law of Patrick (Susan) Collins, Fran (Steve) Finley, Helen (Thomas Sr.) Torrento, Christine (Mark) Sullwold, Kelly (Joseph Sr.) Cusumano and Tracy (Suzanne) Collins. Daughter-in-law to the late L. Bruce and Eva Collins. Dear aunt to many nieces and nephews and beloved cousin to many. Denise grew up in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. She graduated from Lakeshore High School in 1969. She worked for MichCon in Detroit, Michigan for 6 years. She married Norm, her high school sweetheart, in 1971 and eventually became a full-time homemaker. Denise and Norm lived in St. Clair Shores, Mt. Clemens and eventually settled in Eastpointe, Michigan. After Norm's death in 1982, Denise remained in Eastpointe to raise her children. She met her partner Bob in 1985, and they remained in Eastpointe until 2013. Along the way, Denise was also a pet Mom to many dogs and cats. In 2013, Denise and Bob decided to leave the Detroit Metro area and retire to Roscommon, in northern Michigan where they still resided until her passing. Denise loved living in her home up north, surrounded by nature. She was truly a one-of-a-kind, authentic, beautiful, free-spirited woman. She and Bob enjoyed the slower pace of life in the Huron National Forest and never missed the traffic and crowds of the Detroit area. Bob built Denise her beloved She Shed at their home in Roscommon, where she spent many hours crafting and writing poems. Many of her crafts were sold in the Roscommon area. Denise was also an avid collector, especially of her beloved Wizard of Oz and Coca-Cola memorabilia. In their spare time, Denise and Bob spent many hours on their ATVs exploring the trails in the northern Michigan woods. Denise spent countless hours with her children and grandchildren both before leaving the Detroit area and after moving to Roscommon. She loved exploring the woods around her house, taking trail rides, tubing on the Au Sable River, doing puzzles, cooking, shopping and making any kind of craft you can imagine. She never missed sending birthday and holiday cards to her grandkids. She was known for loving the peace sign, sunshine, dragonflies and smiley faces. She lived with joy, personality and a heart that welcomed everyone. Her spirit was colorful, loving, spunky, creative and unforgettable. She was the kind of person that people were naturally drawn to and a lady who will be missed by a countless number of people. Memorial Visitation will be on Friday, May 22, from 3:00 pm until 5:30 pm with a Sharing of Memories at 5:30pm at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. Eleven Mile Road (4 blocks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak, MI. A secondary service to spread Denise's ashes in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan will be planned for a date later this year.

Denise Collins

September 27, 1951 - May 15, 2026