Obituary of Mary Anne Collins-Svoboda

A force of nature. Life of the party. Social butterfly. These are a few words used by those who knew her to describe Mary Anne Collins-Svoboda, 79, of Stockholm WI, who passed away July 7, 2023, with family and friends by her side. A celebration of life will be held on August 26, 2023, from 3-6 p.m., at the Village of Stockholm Park (more info at https://fb.me/e/1kNfVdNal. 

Mary Anne was born July 1, 1944, and spent early years in Elroy, WI, before her family moved to Eau Claire, WI. After graduating from Regis High School in 1962, Mary Anne moved to the Twin Cities, later starting a family and moving to Baldwin WI in 1976.

Mary Anne was an entrepreneur and creative. With her husband Tim, she started a business restoring horse-drawn vehicles. In 1985, Mary Anne and Tim opened Amish Country Quilts & Furniture in Stockholm WI. For nearly 20 years, Mary Anne’s love of people, gregarious nature, and talents with design contributed to the success of the business.

Known for her sharp wit and mischievous spirit, she was very active in her community. Mary Anne promoted the region by starting various tourism initiatives and was a certified event planner. She also mentored other business owners, launched a Dog Days event to promote pet adoption, supported the local Alano club, and served on the Township Board.

Affectionately known to some as “the godmother” of Stockholm, Mary Anne was a regular fixture in the community until her health started to decline in recent years. Throughout her life, Mary Anne also loved travel, live music and festivals, and reading. Mary Anne enjoyed fun times spent with family and friends. She will be missed by many.

Mary Anne is survived by her husband, Tim Svoboda, her daughters Tori (Kenny Hills) and Erica, stepdaughter Sonja Hall, and siblings Sheila (Chris Reisdorf), Jim (Maribeth Raullerson), Pat (Lucy McNellis), and Dan (Paula Collins). She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe & Vi Collins, her beloved sister Jane, her first husband Duane Brohaugh, and their daughter, Jenny.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may donate to the Pepin County Humane Society (https://www.facebook.com/PepinCountyHumaneSociety/).