Anderson, SC - Lois R. Collins, formerly of Saratoga Springs, NY, passed away Thursday afternoon, November 4, 2010, at the home of her son, Douglas Collins. She was surrounded by her loving family. She fought bladder cancer for the past 3 years courageously and with dignity. She was 74. Born August 9, 1936, in New Brunswick, NJ, she is the daughter of the late George L. Hannum and Ruth M. Hannum. Her younger brother George Hannum predeceased her some 11 years ago. Mrs. Collins was a graduate of Grove City College in Pennsylvania in 1958 ,majoring in Music and Teaching. She married Eugene P Collins on graduation day in the College Chapel. Lois worked as a teacher in Pittsburgh, PA for a couple of years before her husbands job initiated a transfer to Charleston, WV. The couple lived there until 1975. During that time they adopted their son Douglas A Collins in May 1968 as a newborn. Lois indulged her love of the arts and opera during their time in Charleston, WV. Another transfer brought the family to Albany, NY in 1975. Lois again pursued her love of theatre and opera productions by contributing to the local performing arts groups. In November 1979, Lois and Gene bought the Saratoga Downtowner Motel in Saratoga Springs, NY. They and their son Doug operated the business successfully for the next 21 years. All the while Lois engaged the community by participating in numerous organizations. Lois was a member of the YMCA Board of Trustees, The Saratoga Hospital Foundation, a Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce member, contributor to the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, contributor to the Lake George Opera Company , founding member of S.W.I.F.T. investment group, member of SOROPTIMIST International and numerous other organizations. In April 2007 Lois and Gene moved to a home they built on their sons land in Anderson, SC. This allowed the couple to spend more time with their Grandchildren - Jacob, Benjamin and Emily. Loiss 54 year partner and husband passed in December 2007 from cancer. Mrs. Collins is survived by her son Douglas A Collins, his wife Elizabeth, their three children, step-grandchildren Stephanie and Michael, two nephews James and Mathew, niece Michele, two grandnephews and two grandnieces and many, many friends. Lois had a way of making people feel at home and comfortable. Her enduring smile, generous nature and positive outlook will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved her. Her internment and memorial service will be held at the Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY, November 15 at 3PM. Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd, Anderson, SC 29621. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.