Mary Ann Nelson Collier, 77, of Galveston, passed away Thursday, July 3, 2014, at her residence. She was born February 14, 1937, a 3rd generation BOI, to Thomas F. and Helen Hermann Nelson. Mary Ann graduated from La Marque High School in 1955 and married Jack Collier. They recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. She spent her life as a full-time homemaker and matriarch of a very old Galveston family, which included many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews as well as her own immediate family. Mrs. Collier volunteered at school, church and with several civic organizations. She was a longtime member and board member of the Women’s Propeller Club. In 2000 Mrs. Collier helped the club transition to become the Galveston Maritime Club. She served as its treasurer for many years. She was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

The Colliers resided in the same home for 47 years, which was built in 1906. Mrs. Collier loved living in an old Galveston home in an old Galveston neighborhood. Her home hosted countless family celebrations and dinners including many Hermann Family Christmas Eve parties, a tradition that began in the 1930’s. Mrs. Collier took great pride in the collection of antiques that filled her home, especially family heirlooms. Mrs. Collier was an excellent cook. She was well known for her Gumbo especially on the night of the Momus parade. But her family will miss her chocolate pie after holiday dinners most of all. Mrs. Collier was an avid reader and loved to follow current events.

Mrs. Collier had a heart for anyone in need. Family and friends called upon her often especially to babysit and care for the sick. She was most helpful to loved ones in the hospital by serving as their advocate with health care providers. Since raising a child with Type 1 diabetes that had experienced many complications, Mrs. Collier was very effective serving others in this way. She was very no nonsense and was well known for giving advice and speaking her mind.

Mrs. Collier was preceded in death by her parents; son, David Jack Collier, Jr.; and grandson, Jack Collier Oldner.

She is survived by her husband, David Jack Collier, Sr., of Galveston; daughters, Becky Collier and partner, Earl Nash of Galveston and Cissy Collier Oldner and husband, Chris, of McKinney, TX; son, Joey Collier and wife, Jan, of Galveston, TX; sisters, Kay Croft of Haskell, TX and Judy Fanning of Bayou Vista, TX; grandchildren: Stephen Ward and wife, Britney; Dezirea Acker; Jessye Acker; Laura Ward; Reed Richardson; Claire Oldner; Olivia Oldner; and Lily Oldner; step granddaughter Nicole Kenworthy; step great granddaughters Elizabeth Smithers and Layla Gonzalez; and numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, and many friends.

Mrs. Collier’s family will receive visitors beginning at 5:00 pm, Monday, July 7th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home. A rosary will begin at 6:30 pm, led by Deacon John Pistone.

Funeral Mass will be 1:00 pm, Tuesday, July 8th, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father EJ Stein, OFM, as Celebrant. Per her wishes, Mary Ann will be cremated following the services and interred at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Ward, Trevor Fanning, Travis Fanning, Jon Dickerson, Kurt Koopman, and Joe Pope. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Collier, Davey Daniel, Terry Jordan, and Roy Segars.

Memorials may be made in Mary Ann’s memory to Galveston Seafarer’s Center, 221 20th St, Galveston, TX 77550. (409) 762-0026