Below is an obituary from Goodrich Funeral Home:
With wit, warmth and determination, Patricia “Patty” Anne (Collins) Flaherty, of Wilmington, lived 91 years before passing away Oct 4, 2025.
Patty was the oldest of eight children of Mable Agnes (Hennessey) and I. Henry Collins. She cherished her parents, siblings and extended West Lynn family of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Patty graduated from St. Mary’s Girls High School and Lynn Hospital School of Nursing. Patty was a great nurse and despite the responsibility of 7 children she continued to work as a nurse even being ferried to the hospital in a snowplow during the blizzard of 1978.
Patty formed her own family with the late John (Jack) F. Flaherty, the love of her life. Patty and John were the parents of seven children, Grandparents to 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. They opened their home to the extended family for many holiday gatherings through the years keeping the extended family connected.
Patty endured the loss of her daughter Maureen in 1976 and her husband John in 1998 sustained by faith and family. When John died just before her planned retirement she changed her plans, kept working and eventually resettled to Florida despite the fact that she NEVER learned to drive.
Patty might have been less than 5 feet tall but she was mighty and brave. She will be remembered for her principles, generous heart and formidable stubborn streak.
Patty is survived by her children, Anne, Paula, Elaine, Mary Ellen, Michael and Sheila, her brothers John Collins and his wife Kathleen of Nashua NH, Rev. James R. Collins of Providence RI, her sister-in-law Catherine Collins of Georgia, her 9 grandchildren, 12 great grand children and her Hennessey and Collins Family.
Patty was predeceased by her parents Mabel and Henry, husband John, daughter Maureen, son-in-laws Jeff Baker and Patrick Maurer, granddaughter Patricia Flaherty, brothers Henry, Thomas, George and sisters Sr. Elaine Collins CSJ and Janet M Collins.
Funeral Mass was on Oct 10, 11:30 am at St Mary’s Church , Lynn, MA
Calling Hours were on Oct 9, 4-7 pm at Goodrich Funeral Home , 128 Washington St. Lynn, Ma
Interment was at St Joseph Cemetery, Lynn, Ma.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, Boston, Ma. and All Care Hospice, Lynn, MA.
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