Courtenay Slack Collins

alignleftCourtenay Slack Collins passed away in her home surrounded by family on Monday, July 20, 2009.

alignleftShe was born in San Benito, Texas, December 26, 1916, to Alice Angel and Henry Oscar Slack. As a child, Courtenay loved the outdoors and in later years recalled having seen large migrations of butterflies around San Benito. When she was nine years old, her family moved north of Edinburgh where her father bred cattle. Her many stories of horseback riding and cattle ranching entertained the family through the years.

Always a serious student, she graduated valedictorian from Edinburgh High School in 1934. During World War II, she lived in Dallas and Washington, D.C. After the war, she moved to Brownsville and worked at Alamo Iron Works. In 1949, she opened a kindergarten. Known as Sunnyside Day School, it was in business for 55 years.

Courtenay served the Christian Science church in many capacities. Bible study and hymn singing were her favorite church activities. She was also an enthusiastic volunteer for the Community Concert programs. She was an officer in the Cultural Arts Club and served as an adult advisor for the Melody Maids, Keynotes, and Junior Cultural Arts Club. She was also a member and officer in the Zonta Club.

Courtenay was preceded in death by her sisters: Mary Alan and Ruth Holzaphel; and her brothers: H.O. Slack, Wilbur Slack, and Harold Slack.

Courtenay is survived by her husband, Tom Collins; her children: Janet Malan, Douglas Cheryl Collins, Marylyn Ponder, Tom Paula Collins; her brother Tom Slack. Her grandchildren: Richard McEuen, Bob Jennifer McEuen, David McEuen, Kevin McEuen, Desiree Craig Donaldson, Cliff Michelle Ponder, Lauren Collins, and Leigh Collins. Two great-grandchildren: Amber McEuen and Bennett Ponder.

The family would like to thank Ruth Contreras, Imelda Calderon, and Betty Vasquez for their loving care.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. Courtenays family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in her name be made to your favorite charity.