Submitted by: John C. Monk

Melissa J. Collins

July 12, 1979 - July 21, 2000

Melissa Jean Collins, 21, residing on Addison Street, South Bend, Ind., died on Friday afternoon, July 21, from injuries she sustained in an automobile accident on U.S. 31 South and Roosevelt Road, South Bend.  Melissa's boyfriend, Christopher Leigh Hardy was also killed in the accident. She was also preceded in death by a cousin, Timothy N. Collins.

Melissa was born on July 12, 1979, in South Bend, and had lived here all of her life. She was a graduate of James Whitcomb Riley High School in 1999. She was employed in the Deli at WalMart in Mishawaka.

She is survived by her parents, Donald W. and Sandra Jean (McElheny) Collins of South Bend; a sister, Tracey Collins at home; two brothers, Michael Collins of South Bend and Joseph Collins at home. She is also survived by her maternal grandparents, "William and Verna McElheny of South Bend; and by her paternal grandparents, Newll P. and Peggy Collins of South Bend.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Helen Collins in 1986.

Melissa and Christopher were engaged to be married. They enjoyed collecting NASCAR cars, racing and camping. Melissa's favorite cartoon character was Marvin the Martian. • Joint services for Melissa and Christopher will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26, in the Palmer Funeral Home, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, in th» Palmer— Funeral Home.

Published in the South Bend Tribune: July 23, 2000.