Ruth “Nickie” (Janicik) Collins died peacefully at Vassar Brothers Medical Center Wednesday, March 20, 2024. She was 87.

She was a farmer’s daughter and proud of it. Born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, she was raised on the Nichol Turkey Farm in a close-knit family that included her father, Harry, mother, Olive, sisters, Gladys and Carolyn, and brother, Harry. From an early age Nickie learned the value of hard work and responsibility. She quickly developed a love of and talent for music, working with voice and music teachers at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She was playing piano in church and Sunday School at Greystone Presbyterian Church as early as the 6th grade. In 1954 she earned a scholarship to Westminster College, majoring in Voice and minoring in Piano.

“I learned and loved the hymns,” she said, and she has shared her musical gift throughout her life in many ways, including teaching young students. She is well-known and admired for choir and piano performances in the IBM chorus, and at St. Martin de Porres church, where she played for services and school functions for 25 years.

Nickie was a strong, loving and supportive mother for her two sons, Tony and Andy, and her daughter, Debbie. There was nothing but encouragement from her, and no hint of self-interest; only satisfaction and pride from their success. She was a caring and devoted wife to Anthony C. Janicik, whom she married in 1956 and stood by him faithfully until he died in 1996. The pair were mainstay volunteers for Poughkeepsie Little League baseball. They were inducted into the Dutchess County Sports Hall of Fame, and on April 27, 1997, “Janicik Field” in Red Oaks Mill was dedicated, providing a lasting tribute to their commitment and contributions to our youth. Nickie married Charles C. Collins in 1998 and treasured his companionship until he died in 2000.

Survivors include Tony; Andy and his wife, Mary; Debbie and her husband, Gary; stepchildren Jim, David, Gary, Ed and Pamela; granddaughters Adrianne and Juliet; grandsons Cliff, Stefan, and Matt; and great grandchildren Kara, Abby, Cora, and Colin. In addition to her husbands, Nickie was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Debbie, and her grandson Sean.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024 from 4PM-6PM at the Wm. G. Miller & Son FH, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on March 26, 2024 at 9:30AM at St. Martin de Porres Church, 118 Cedar Valley Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Burial will follow in the family plot at Calvary Cemetery in Poughkeepsie.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wm. G. Miller & Son FH, Inc. If you wish to send an online condolence, please visit www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com.