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Elsie Pardee Collins
Elsie Pardee Collins, formerly of Westhampton Beach, died on April 7 at Woodland Pond Senior Living Community in New Paltz, New York, where she had been a resident since 2013. She was 87.
Ms. Collins was a passionate educator for 33 years, specializing in early childhood education. Starting as a kindergarten teacher in 1955, and later founding and directing the Bellport Methodist Pre-School. She ended her career at the Eastern Suffolk BOCES Bellport campus, teaching high school students early childhood education. In 1971, Ms. Collins moved her family to Westhampton Beach and became a well-established member of the community.
Ms. Collins served on many boards and committees including the Architectural Review Board, Historical Society, Rotary Club and Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce, organizing many events including village art shows. She will be most remembered for starting the Westhampton Beach Farmers Market (still very vibrant and active today) and hosting many St. Patrick’s Day parties.
Ms. Collins retired from teaching in 1987 and began a very successful bed and breakfast business, “The 1880 House” on Seafield Lane in Westhampton Beach. Her home was like visiting an old friend, her family said, noting that she treated everyone in a special way and always sent them off with a homemade goodie. In 2012, she closed “The 1880 House,” and moved to New Paltz.
Ms. Collins’s long life was marked by her active volunteerism, dedication to her community and devotion to family. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, friend and teacher, her family said.
She is survived by her three children, Kim C. Leoni of Connecticut and Florida, R. Craig Collins of Maine, and Kyle P. Collins of Remsenburg; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
A private burial service was held with immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to a local hospice would be appreciated by the family.
27east on Apr 22, 2021