Amy Berdena Collins, age 48, of Middletown passed away unexpectedly at her home on May 14, 2023. Amy was born on December 17, 1974 in Middletown, Connecticut. Her family moved to Higganum in July, 1978.

Amy attended Burr Elementary School and graduated from Haddam-Killingworth High School in 1993. Amy was very smart and extremely precocious. One day while she was quite young, Amy's father heard her in the yard, explaining physical dimensions to the neighborhood children. While in the third grade, Amy's mother ran out of books to read to her, because Amy would quickly finish any book she could get he hands on. Her mom decided to read her Cosmos by Carl Sagan, figuring it was a book she could not finish on her own. Amy listened as her mom read, and shortly after was the only student in her class who knew that a light year is a unit of distance not time.

Amy was extremely talented in music and played the oboe and flute. She could pick up any instrument for the first time and play it. While in High School, she was part of a musical collaboration with students from the United States and Canada. With this group she toured many countries throughout Europe playing her oboe at concerts in many cities, and stayed with many different families. While in London, she died her hair the color of a bright, shiny new copper penny. She had a wonderful time in Europe and could not get over how clean all the city streets were. Upon her return, her parents were relieved at the relatively tame hair color she selected.

After Amy graduated from High School she attended Wanger College on Staten Island, New York and graduated in 1997 with a BA degree in psychology. She enjoyed many wonderful times in New York, and loved hanging out in Washington Square Park with musicians and creative people.

Amy had many long-time friends. During a trip to Sweden Amy collaborated with her dear friends Peter and Fredrik who recorded and produced her album entitled Escorted from the Royal Castle, featuring her original songs. Some of her songs were played on the airwaves in Sweden.

Amy is survived by her wife, Brianna Skowera of Middletown, her father and mother, Arthur E Collins Jr and Barbara M. (Featro) Collins of Higganum, her sister Joy E. Collins of Higganum, and her sister Sara A. Collins and her Finance Todd Wetmore of Connecticut. Amy also had many other relatives and friends who meant a lot to her. Nadia and David recently came into her life, and she shared many happy moments with them.

Amy suffered for many years with metal health problems. She tried very hard to seek help and worked with many different therapists. She was very public about her struggles, which ultimately led to her suicide. She said recently that it was a victory that she made it 48 years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Middlesex Behavioral Health Crescent Center, so that others can receive help. Donations may be made by check to "Middlesex Health - The Crescent Center" c/o Middlesex Health, Office of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457 or online at https://middlesexhealth.org/donate.

Amy is in our hearts. We will be remembering and celebrating Amy's life on Monday, May 29th (Memorial Day) at the Polish Falcons of America in Middletown (144 Prout Hill Road, Middletown, CT 06457). A Remembrance Service and Contemplative Reflection will be held at the gazebo at 12:00 PM in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. A Celebration of Amy's Life will begin at 2:00 PM at the Grove. Everyone is invited to attend. We will share stories of how Amy brought joy, happiness, and laughter to our lives. We will listen to her music and the music she loved. We will share the food she enjoyed. We encourage the musicians who loved her to jam and play. If you have digital pictures / photos / videos of Amy that you want to share for use in the celebration, please upload them to this website: https://tinyurl.com/CelebratingAmy. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.

Amy enriched the lives of her friends and family. To all those who knew her, thank you for the light you brought to Amy's life. And let us remember the light she brought to ours. Amy, thank you for being with us for over 48 year and sharing your life with us.