Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Mary Teresa (McInnis) Collins, of Wilmington, formerly of Charlestown, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2023, with her family by her side.
Mary was born in Charlestown on Mary 17, 1933; she was the dear daughter of the late John and Anna (O’Donnell) McInnis. Mary was raised in Charlestown with her siblings whom she loved very much.
Mary married “the love of her life” James Collins in 1951. The couple lived in Charlestown, where they raised their two children. Mary worked hard to provide a warm and loving home in Charlestown for her children; they were surrounded by many extended family members.
Moving to Wilmington in 1972 and buying their first home on Maple Road was one of Mary and Jim’s proudest moments. Mary enjoyed making Wilmington her home and joining St. Thomas Parish, where she worked for many years.
Mary’s favorite role in life was becoming “Nana.” Mary was the best; she was caring, attentive, loving and very supportive.
Mary will lovingly be remembered as a friend to many with the warmest heart. Many people went to Mary when they needed someone to talk to. She was a great listener and did not judge; Mary was always in your corner. When Mary loved you, she did so ferociously; she was a great keeper of secrets and gave the best hugs. Those who were in Mary’s life have lost one of their biggest cheerleaders.
Mary was the beloved wife of the late James J. Collins, devoted mother of Kathleen Griffin & her husband Mike of Wilmington, James Collins & his wife Bridget of Billerica, proud “Nana” of Jessica Korves & her partner Paul Durrance, Gregg Griffin & his wife Kimberly, Mary-Kate Vaughan, active duty members PFC Anthony Daens, PO2 Elizabeth Collins, SPC Daniel Collins and Mark Korves, Great-grandmother of LilyRose Giffin and Jake Daens, dear sister of the late Frank McInnis, John McInnis, Joseph McInnis, and Anna Hayes, sister-in-law of Bill Collins & his wife Barbara of Billerica, loving Aunt Teresa to Diane Miller, Grace DeAngelis, Frank McInnis, and Jennifer Rothstein. Mary is further survived by a large extended family as well as her friends at Deming Way and the Senior Center. Mary was predeceased by her grandson, Joshua Vaughan.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Tuesday, November 28th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. immediately followed by Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, November 27th from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Memorial donations in Mary’s name may be made to The Odd Cat Sanctuary, P.O. Box 405, Salem, MA 01970 or to Friends to the Forlorn, P.O. Box 2316, Dallas, GA 30132.
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