Mildred Florence Collard

Mildred Florence (Dechand) Collard, 94, of Topeka, died December 21, 2020 at the Kelly House in Meriden.

She was born in Topeka, Kansas on July 12, 1926 the daughter of John C. and Barbara Rose (Artzer) Dechand.

Millie was a layout person for Josten’s Yearbook Company prior to her retirement. 

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Past President of the St. Joseph PTO, Past President of St. Anthony’s Guild, the Quilting Club and helped with funeral dinners all at the church.  Millie was also a member of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia.  She enjoyed baking wedding cakes and doing the flowers for weddings of her children and grandchildren.

Millie married Joseph E. Collard Sr. at St. Joseph Catholic Church on June 17, 1947.  He predeceased her on June 7, 2016.  She was also preceded in death by a son Joseph Collard Jr., two brothers, Albert and Ralph Dechand, and two sisters, Rosella Hewitt and Mary Louise Kirkwood, a son-in-law, Lee Harrison and grandson, John Harrison.

Millie is survived by three children, Cathy Harrison of Topeka, Connie (Ron) Cooper of Wharton, TX, John (Janet) Collard of Longview, TX, and a daughter-in-law Junilla Collard of Parker, TX, 21 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren, and two sisters, Barbara Gudenkauf and Theresa Desch..

A Private funeral liturgy was held at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.  She was buried next to her husband Joseph at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Due to the current health situation a Memorial Mass will be held in her honor at St. Joseph Catholic Church on her birthday on July 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Joseph Church sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.

The family would like to thank Elara Hospice and especially Laurel for all the care given Millie these past few months.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.  You can also view her service and video on the website.