Grace Katherine "Kate" Collins Sisson, 79, passed away peacefully April 27, 2010 after a reoccurring illness.

Kate was born Oct. 16, 1930 in a house adjacent to the Methodist church in Francisco where she grew up and played piano for church services. She was a graduate of Francisco High School class of 1948 and married Robert Leo “Sid” Bufkin who died tragically of an automobile racing accident in 1952.

Kate was a widow with two girls when she married Darwin Lee Sisson in 1953. They lived in Hoffman Estates, Ill. until 1963 when they moved to Princeton where they raised six girls.  

The Sissons moved to Casselberry, Fla. in 1972 and Kate worked in three central Florida hospitals within data processing, admitting, and Florida Hospital’s Human Resources. She loved music, reading, cooking, and traveling with family when she was not caring for her loved ones and her home.  Previously, she was an accomplished painter, seamstress, and handywoman.

Kate is survived by her brother, William Collins of Princeton; daughters, Kathy Bufkin Paine of Carmi, Ill., Darlene Funk of The Colony, Texas, Diane Martini of Casselberry, Fla., Patricia Patton of Lake Mary, Fla., Barbara Truman of Orlando, Fla.; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years, Darwin Sisson; daughter, Sidna Bufkin Stewart; and sisters, Vera Gwen Hurst and Martha Lewis.  

Kate will be remembered as “Amazing Grace” for her courage and strength.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. May 17, 2010 at Community United Methodist Church of Casselberry followed by a reception and burial at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla.