Rachael Jane Collins, 69, of Roanoke, Virginia, and formerly of Delmar, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was born on December 11, 1947 in Delmar, Maryland, a daughter of the late George and Mary Lecates. After graduation from Delmar High School, Rachael worked as a typesetter for the state register in Laurel and then as a secretary for L. W. Gumby Hardware in Salisbury. She then spent many years as a homemaker, raising her children while helping run the family chicken and pig farm. After that, she returned to school to get her LPN degree and worked at Deer's Head Center and Berlin Nursing Home until her retirement. She enjoyed her time as an LPN and loved caring for her patients. Most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by a son, Aaron Collins; a daughter, Joy Collins; grandchildren, Doriana Markovitz, Alec Collins, Evanelle Collins, Vivien Collins, and Mia Collins; a niece, Cheryl Thomas; and nephews, Will Fisher, Gilbert Shelton, George Shelton, and Michael Shelton. She is also survived by many dear friends, including Faye Brittingham and Karen Downes. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Letitia Fisher, Georgiana Shelton, and Gretchen Lecates; and a brother, George Lecates. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 11, 2017 at Short Funeral Home, 13 E. Grove Street in Delmar. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in St. Stephens Cemetery in Delmar. In memory of Ms. Collins, contributions may be sent to St. Stephens Methodist Church or the charity or cause of your choice. Rachael was incredibly generous, and she will be remembered by all who knew her as a strong, hardworking woman with a most loving heart. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.