Mary Katherine Collins, Director of the Town of Ulster Public Library, died in her home in West Hurley, NY, on February 11th, 2024, after a struggle with cancer. She was fifty-two.

Mary was born in Macon, GA, and grew up in Pasadena, CA, where she graduated from The Westridge School and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Art Center College of Design. She moved to New York City to pursue her vocation in photography and her work was published in magazines and books. Mary continued her education with a Master of Library and Information Science, with a concentration in Rare Books and Special Collections, from Long Island University. Several years later, she received a Master of Arts, Liberal Studies, from City University of New York.

Before coming to the Town of Ulster Public Library, Mary worked as the Special Collections Librarian at the Mercantile Library, and later as librarian for the Holland Society of New York, where she developed her interest in genealogy, becoming a certified genealogist. She also consulted with the Jacob Leisler Institute for the Study of Early New York History.

Mary spoke highly of the staff, board and patrons of the Town of Ulster Public Library. She was a visionary and enjoyed developing plans for the growth of programs for the community.

Mary is survived by her partner of 22 years, Thomas Ostoyich; her parents, Howard and Bonnie Collins of Macon, GA; brother, Ben Collins (Kim) of Westlake Village, CA and their three children, Mason, Caitlin and Natalie; and sister, Melissa Cramer (Alex) of Richmond, VA and their two children, Hayes and Miles. She loved her many pets, and is survived by her beloved dog Rufus.

Donations in Mary's memory may be made to the Town of Ulster Public Library, 800 Ulster Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401. Memorial services are planned for later. Please offer you condolences for Mary Katherine and her family online at www.BuonoFuneralService.com .

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