In Memory of Two Sisters Lost to Cancer

This scholarship fund was established in 2003 in memory of Denise Collins-Gross and Cynthia Watson.

Born to Charles Collins Sr. and Frances Collins, Denise and Cynthia grew up in Cinnaminson, NJ. They are the oldest daughters in a family of 19 children.

Denise graduated from Rider University in New Jersey with a Bachelor's degree in English, while Cindy obtained her Bachelor's degree in Music from Westminster Choir College in New Jersey. Though their lives ended abruptly in their 40s both girls enjoyed many wonderful experiences. Read more details about their lives below.

The Collins Family is honored to be able to remember these daughters, sisters, wives, friends, and mother in this special way. Please consider sending your tax deductible donation today so we can continue to share their love of life and education with each passing generation. Any contribution will be sincerely appreciated.

With Love,
The Family.

DENISE

Denise was an accomplished writer, poet, and arts educator. She is the author of many books including Goodbye Tansunia, and Pyramids & Strange Sickness. Her latest book published in 1999 was Kaleidoscope: A Retrospective , poetry written by Denise. Denise's work was featured in Live at Karla's: 13 poets from New Hope, an anthology of performance poetry published by Moving Adverb Press. Denise taught poetry in the schools through the Geraldine R. Dodge program and the Project Impact Arts in Education Foundation and read her work in many area book stores and events. She was a Public Relations Manager for Dow Jones and Company for the 5 years prior to her death and ran her own publishing company in her spare time. Denise enjoyed a loving marriage with her husband Bill Gross. She spoke fondly of all her friends and truly enjoyed entertaining. On December 26, 2000 she left behind a wonderful husband, a grieving family and many, many lifelong friends.

CINDY

Cynthia was a music teacher at Osage Elementary School in Voorhees, New Jersey for 17 years. She was also the Director of the Youth Choir and Gospel Chorus at Saint Paul U.A.M.E. Church in Palmyra, New Jersey where she was a member for seven years. Prior to attending St. Paul U.A.M.E., Cindy was the Choir Director at Marlton United Methodist Church and the Children's Choir Director at St. Paul Baptist Church in Cinnaminson. Cynthia gave many concerts and received many standing ovations. She was a lover of music and worked with children for many years enhancing their love of music. Cindy always had a smile on her face and never spoke an unkind word about anyone. Her sweet-natured ways will always be a trait we remember. Cindy loved being a teacher and enjoyed the many friends she had on staff. She especially enjoyed working with children and was a very dedicated mother to her own children. On February 21, 2001 Cindy left behind a husband (Gary Watson), two young children (Lindsey Anne and Steven Anthony), her loving family, and many true friends. After her death, the Osage Elementary School in Marlton, NJ named the Cynthia L. Watson Children's Center in her honor.