Karen Leah Rymer Collins
August 30, 1935 - February 15, 2026
Service: Private service
Karen Leah Rymer Collins, born August 30, 1935, in Rachel, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026 in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, after a life rich in experiences and dedication. She graduated from West Virginia University (WVU) in 1957 with a bachelor of music degree and began her career teaching elementary music.
On August 15, 1959, Karen married William E. Collins. They had two sons, Craig and David. Their life together included five years in Madison, Wisconsin, and two years in Anand, India, before returning to Morgantown, WV, where Bill became a professor and administrator at WVU. She and Bill hosted numerous Rotary Exchange students and also served as Resident Faculty Leaders at WVU.
Karen was a life-long United Methodist. She sang in church choirs throughout much of her life, and her career included teaching music and piano lessons, managing a bookstore, and working as a real estate agent.
In 2006, they moved to Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, where Karen was active in the Plateau PEO Group. Karen enjoyed collecting, cooking, swimming, traveling, and reading. In 2022, Karen and Bill moved to Gibsonia, PA, where they resided near their son Craig and his wife Mary, as well as their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They enjoyed numerous visits with them, as well as with their son David and his wife Lynette and their children from Colorado.
Karen was preceded in death by her father Glenn Rymer, her mother Faith Janes, her aunt Opal Rymer, and her great-granddaughter Madeline Collins. She is survived by her husband Bill, her sons Craig (Mary) Collins and David (Lynette) Collins; her grandchildren Angela (Luke) Bonomo, Matthew (Brittany) Collins, Jerod (Nikki) Collins, Ryan Collins, and Morgan Collins; her great-grandchildren Anthony and Joseph Bonomo and Eleanor and William Collins; and other extended family members.
A private memorial service will be held. Karen’s family is grateful for the excellent care and support she received from the staff at St. Barnabas Village, Arbors of Valencia, the skilled nursing facility, and the hospice team.
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