Mary Louise Collins, 84, of La Plata, MD, formerly of Chevy Chase, MD, died April 7, 2009, at Civista Medical Center, La Plata, MD.

Mrs. Collins was a retired pre-k school teacher in Montgomery County for many years. She was one of seven children. She was a graduate of Marygrove College in Detroit, MI, and received her Master's Degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She was married to her husband in 1948 and following the birth of their first child, moved to the suburbs of MD. She moved to La Plata following the death of her husband in 2003 where she lived with her son, Leonard Collins, Jr. and grandchildren.

Born July 31, 1924, in Detroit, MI, she was the daughter of the late Clarence Blaesser and the late Loretta Marentette Blaesser.

Predeceased by her parents; husband, Leonard Collins, Sr.; brothers, Clay and Karl Blaesser; sisters, Angela Marr, Jean, and Geraldine Austin.

Survived by son, Leonard and his wife Leslie Collins, Jr., of La Plata, MD; daughters, Christine and her husband David DiIenno of Millsboro, DE; Maureen and her husband James Crucetti of Delmar, NY; brother, Donald Blaesser of Plymouth, MI. Also survived by eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 16, 2009, from 5-8 PM with Wake Service at 7 PM at Raymond Funeral Chapel, La Plata, MD.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, April 17, 2009, at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, La Plata, MD. Father Ron Potts will officiate.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, MD.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann's Infant and Maternity Home, 4901 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.