Mary A. (Collins) Koza

Mary A. (Collins) Koza, age 65, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at her residence in St. Charles with her loving family by her side.

She was born November 7, 1960, in Elgin, the daughter of Kenneth and Alice (Gordon) Collins. Mary graduated from Geneva High School before attending Elgin Community College where Mary earned an Associates of Science Degree in Group Child Care. She later worked as a daycare teacher and eventually became the director of the daycare center. After many years in childcare, Mary was then employed by Crate and Barrel where she made more loyal friends.

Mary was a dedicated daughter, sister, and aunt, she was ever-present when her family needed her support and love. Mary cherished time with family and friends. In her younger years, she was excited to drive a pink Cadillac for the Tri-City Demo Team in a demolition derby at the Kane County Fair.  Since her demo days she enjoyed her weekly lunches with friends and trips to Galena and other destinations. Mary looked forward to hosting family and friends for evenings of fun and laughs. Many good times, meals, and games were shared around her kitchen island.

Mary was preceded in death by her first husband Orril “Shorty” Anderson; her second husband Keith Koza; her maternal Grandparents Alice and Robert Gordon; paternal Grandparents Mary and Frank Collins; her father Kenneth Collins; her brother Mark Collins, aunts, several uncles, brother-in-law, and cousin.

She is survived by her mother Betty Collins; and her brothers Mike (Heather) Collins of Pensacola, Florida and Matt (Karen) Collins of Fishers, Indiana; and niece Maya and nephews Oscar and Ethan.

A visitation for Mary will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 4:00 -8:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E State Street (Route 38), Geneva, Illinois. 

Funeral Prayers will be held Friday, April 10 at the Malone Funeral Home, proceeding to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva, Illinois for Celebration of Funeral Mass at 10:30 am with Father Browning. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC9Bn0WMMfg

Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Geneva. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Special Olympics of Illinois c/o Geneva Police Department, 20 Police Plaza, Geneva, Illinois 60134.

For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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