Lizzette (Collins) Obiden

ALBANY, Ga. - Lizzette (nee Collins) Obiden loved and was loved. On Feb. 10, 2022, she left this world surrounded by that love. She is missed, especially by her family and friends. Some friendships were decades-long and from all over the world. All are profoundly saddened by her passing. All remember her sharp wit, style, sense of humor, infectious laugh, expansive intelligence and delicious dinner parties, filled with the aromas and spices from her travels. She was an outstanding woman, who made a lasting imprint on the lives she touched.

Lizzette was born to Margaret (Talbot) and Gerry Collins in Kildare, Ireland, in 1936. Having finished school in her late teens, she moved to London and remained there for several years, employed in various administrator roles, eventually becoming a skilled bookkeeper. In the early 1960's she later transferred those skills to the Bahamas, initially working for the late Governor Julian Gascoigne. Lizzette continued to live in the Bahamas for many years, working for various hotels in the region. During this time, she met her beloved late husband, Carl. Carl's work in the Foreign Service enabled Lizzette and Carl to live in many locations worldwide, from Portugal, to Washington D.C., to Jordan.

Lizzette regaled many with her tales of her travels, the many people she encountered and befriended and the experiences she lived. She lived big and bright throughout her 85 years: her china collection, art, crystal and artifacts from the many locations she visited surrounded her and continued to remind her of these journeys and experiences. Her endless curiosity about nature, animals, architecture, art and cultural affairs kept her mind sharp to the very end.

In her later years, Lizzette loved gardening. She spent many hours "in the bushes." This was a regular return statement of missed calls. Her hard work "in the bushes" resulted in wonderful-smelling surprise packages of lemons, oranges, pecans, bay leaves and rosemary sent to Jacquie, Rosalyn and Antonia for their delight.

She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Carl; her parents; and brother, Matt. She is survived by her sisters, Dolly and Carmel; brothers, Tony and Gerry; her many nieces and nephews in Ireland and the USA; her sisters-in-law, Antonia, Rosalyn, Katherine and Betty; and brothers-in-law, Mathew, Bruce and CJ.

She is especially missed by her devoted niece, Jacqueline, who spent many treasured hours in her company during her final months. Lizzette's family sends special thanks to the staff at Wilson Hospice in Albany, her caring neighbors in Albany, and to her friends, Suzi Faulk and Eureka Glinton, who devoted much time to her care during her final months.

Rest in peace, darling Lizzette. You are welcomed with open arms at the Obiden family plot in Marenisco, Michigan. We know you are sitting with Carl, surrounded by the dogs you so loved, Petra and Sheba.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Rite of Committal to be held on Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m., at the Marenisco Cemetery. The Rev. Dominic Agyapong, pastor of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Marenisco, will officiate. Interment will follow.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Michigan, is assisting the family with their arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.