Antoinette S. 'Toni' Collins, 74

Antoinette S. "Toni" Collins, 74, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007, at her home in Bigfork, surrounded by her loving family and close friends. "Toni peacefully entered into heaven to join her parents, Peter and Anna Jaeger, and her cherished sisters and brothers."

Toni is survived by her loving husband Charles; three children, son Douglas of Bigfork, and his three children, Katie and her husband Kasey Harte, their children Heidi and Ella; and Peter and Carrie; son Michael of Treasure Island Fla.; and daughter Anna Marie and husband Scott Christie of Fountain Hills, Ariz., and their children, Alexandra and Nicholas; brothers, George and Don Jaeger; and many nieces, nephews and best friends.

Toni was born July 13, 1932, in Hankinson, N.D., the ninth of 10 children.

She graduated from St. Francis Academy in 1950, and soon after worked for the telephone company in Long Beach, Calif., where she met her husband Chuck. They married in 1955, and would have celebrated there 52nd wedding anniversary in February.

Toni loved her family, her church and her friends. She enjoyed every day of her life, whether gardening, traveling, working or playing bridge. Her warm and generous spirit will be missed by all who have been fortunate to be a part of her life.

A Memorial Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Jan. 16, at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork; a luncheon will follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials be made to Pope John Paul II Catholic Church (Rose Garden) 195 Coverdell Road, Bigfork, MT 59911; or to Home Options Hospice 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100 Kalispell, MT 59901. Bigfork Funeral Home is caring for the family.