COLLINS, DOWD

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 12:59:24 :

Sausalito News
20 January 1912
Page 3

Pioneer Woman Passes Away

In the death of Mrs. Matilda Collins, mother of Ex-supervisor Charles J. Dowd, and member of the Sausalito Board of Health Henry W. Collins, in Mill Valley on Saturday evening, passed away a woman of sterling character and of a very charitable nature whose kind deeds in the early history of Marin will always be greatly cherished, never to be effaced. She has experienced all the trials and difficulties of the pioneer and always volunteered assistance to the needy. It was during the first years of her residence that Indians were plentiful and troublesome. She first made her home at Olompali, a few miles above Novato in 1858 and later on moved to Corte Madera in 1861 where her husband Michael Dowd had a large farm. Corte Madera at that time was one of the leading towns in the. county and things were bustling. Their latch string was always out and their home was the social abode in those days. Subsequently her husband passed away and she married Thomas H. Collins who also passed away. After the family grew up she moved here, remaining here until a few years ago, when she moved to Mill Valley. She was born in Ireland in 1839 and came across the Isthmus of Panama to California.

After a long, busy and useful life, she died as she had lived - honored, trusted and loved. She reared her own monument while she lived in the hearts of all who knew her. Her life was completed if work all done and well done constitutes completion. Her Christian life was beautiful from its beginning to its close and through all the vicissitudes and sorrows that she met in the way, her faith in God never wavered.

The funeral services held in Mill Valley on Tuesday, were largely attended by her friends and neighbors. Rev. Father Sesnon, who said a solemn requiem mass for the repose of her soul, spoke of her devotion and Christian spirit and said that her example should be emulated by all. The remains were laid away in Fernwood cemetery, the grave facing towards the Corte Madera hills where she spent her happiest days. Her grave was covered with beautiful floral pieces.

She was the loving mother of Miss Lillie Dowd, Charles J. and George W. Dowd, Henry W. and Olive Collins.