Sharon L. Collinge

Sharon L. Collinge, 68, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, died Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Oak Crossing after a long spirited battle with cancer. Sharon was born on January 26, 1944, the daughter of Norman and Francis (Rindy) Amundson in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1962 and then attended Ancker Hospital School of Nursing in St. Paul, Minnesota, graduating in 1965. Sharon married Dave Shepard and together they had two sons, Greg and Brian. She worked as a nurse, starting in 1965 at St. Marychr(39)s Hospital, where she worked her entire career. Sharon married Dr. James Collinge on April 23, 1984. They made their home in Detroit Lakes and were blessed with sixteen grandchildren. She retired in 1998 after 32 years of nursing. Sharon and Jim spent many days during the summer at their lake cabin on Crane Lake. She enjoyed gardening and always made sure her flowers and plants were taken care of when she was gone for an extended period of time. Sharon loved spending time with her family and friends, but especially cherished her grandchildren. Whether it was playing dolls, coloring or playing in the club house with her grandchildren, those moments she always treasured. She was an avid sports fan of the Minnesota Twins, Vikings and Gophers. Sharon is survived by her husband, Dr. James Collinge of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, two sons, Greg (Sherri) Shepard of Palmer, AK and children, Erin, Kaitlynn and Jennifer; Brian (Sara) Shepard of Audubon, MN and daughter, Megan; six step- children, Brigitte (David) Whitney of Darien, CT and children, Morgan, Brooke and Paige; Christine (Brian) Brophy of Madison, WI and children, Anna, Emma and Sarah; Jessica Collinge of Bristol, RI and daughter, Immogen; James (Kerri) Collinge of Maple Grove, MN and children, Benjamin, Grant and Natalie; Graham (Renee) Collinge of Madison, WI; and children, Charles and Audrey; Joseph Collinge of Honolulu, HI; her parents, Norman and Orpha Amundson of Detroit Lakes, MN; brother, Dale (Monie) Amundson of Detroit Lakes, MN and numerous beloved family members Sharon was preceded in death by her mother, Francis and step-sister, Rachel Schweitzer. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society (P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718)