Last updated on January 23, 2022
Barbara Catherine (Paulovkin) Collins, age 81, passed away in her home in Rockwall, TX, January 19, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 16, 1940, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Andrew Paulovkin and Josephine (Zawislak) Paulovkin.
Barbara was an executive assistant at U.S. Steel before she met the love of her life, Raymond D. Collins. Upon her marriage to Raymond, she happily gave up her career to become a homemaker. It was never a job to her. Her house was filled with love. She loved taking care of her beloved husband of 46 years and her family.
She became her family’s interpreter when she was 5 years old by accompanying her deaf father to a union meeting and interpreted the meeting in sign language. At that point, she knew she had to grow up fast because she was the only one who could hear and would have to take care of her deaf parents and sister. Barbara simply took on the responsibility without complaint, becoming her family’s rock. She continued that role to the end of her life.
Barbara was a very special person who touched so many people’s lives. Her house was the epitome of Christmas spirit all year long, welcoming friends who became part of her extended family. Her favorite hobby was to create Christmas floral arrangements and give them to family and friends, sharing her love of Christmas.
Barbara fought a long and valiant battle; she endured it with strength and grace, showing all what it means to put trust in God and rely on faith and love to get through battles. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Barbara is survived by her beloved husband, Raymond D. Collins; daughter, Christine “Tina” Collins, Frisco, TX, granddaughter, Sarah Tramell, Austin, TX; grandson, Christopher Tramell, Waxahachie, TX; and niece, Mary Jo ”Taffy” Venetis, Rockwall, TX. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Josephine Paulovkin, and her sister, Mary Ann Venetis.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held 1:00 pm Monday, February 7, 2022, at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Location with Bishop Todd Bell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Patriot Paws Service Dogs (see
https://patriotpaws.org/donate/)
