Was a Eucharistic Minister taught CCD at St. Theresa’s
Published in the December 6, 2017 edition
NORTH READING — Mary E. (Desmond) Collins, 87, of North Reading and formerly of Sudbury and Belmont, died at her home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, November 29, 2017. She was the beloved wife of the late Arthur J. Collins.
Born in Cambridge on July 16, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Timothy and Grace (Casey) Desmond. She was raised and attended school in Belmont. Mary worked as a jewelry sales associate at Jordan Marsh in Peabody for over fifteen years.
Mary has been a resident of North Reading for the past 42 years. She was an active member of St. Theresa’s Church, where she taught CCD and was a Eucharistic Minister. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved family, music, sewing, cooking, knitting, swimming, refinishing furniture and time at the beach.
Family members include her loving children, Donna Kimmel of Florida, Mark Collins and his wife Lee Ann of Sudbury, Brian Collins and his wife Maria of Wilmington, Pat Dolan and her husband Rick of Methuen, Elaine Collins and her wife Donna Pappalardo of Wakefield, Lisa Collins and David Collins, both of North Reading; grandchildren, Chris Kimmel and his wife Amanda, Sean Kimmel and his wife Christy, Timothy Collins, Mark Collins, Jr., Gabrielle Collins, Megan Collins, Stephen Collins, Caitlin Collins, Daniel Collins; great grandchildren, Kate and Emily Kimmel; her brother, Robert Desmond and his wife Ruth of Belmont; she was the sister of the late Paul, Jean and James Desmond and Nancy Herdecker. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Her funeral was held from Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, December 5, followed by a funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours were held on Monday, December 4. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com.
