NORWICH – Betty Ann Collins, 91, passed away early Monday morning, April 12, 2010, in the Gilmour Health Care Center where she had resided in recent months.
A lifelong Norwich resident, Betty Ann was born in May of 1918, the only child of John and M. Teresa Weiler Fagan. She attended the Norwich schools, graduating in 1936, and continued her schooling in the College of New Rochelle where she earned her B. A. degree in business. On July 28, 1943, in St. Paul’s Church, Betty Ann married Thomas J. Collins. During the time Tom served his country in the military, Betty Ann became a dedicated and stay-at-home mother to their children. She was very proficient at taking care of the house, and worked out of her home as a preparer of income tax returns. Following Tom’s retirement in the 1970s, Tom and Betty Ann bought a house in Florida where they enjoyed spending their winters, returning to Norwich for the warmer months. They also traveled a great deal, seeing most of the world; and Betty Ann was known to enjoy a good game of cards. She was a member of St. Paul’s Church for over 80 years.
Betty Ann is survived by her children and their spouses: Thomas J. and Bonnie Collins of New Windsor, Maureen and James Maher of Whitesboro, John F. and Sherry Collins of West Palm, Fla., and Robert B. and Terry Collins of Norwich. Also surviving are grandchildren and their spouses: Sheri and James Bruschetti, Mary Maher, Thomas and Amy Maher, Erica and Doug Musich, Kristie and Michael Sailer, John Collins. and Kelly Collins-Colosi and husband Nick; and nine great grandchildren. Betty Ann was predeceased by her husband, Tom, after almost 61 years of marriage; and by her granddaughter, Emily Collins.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Betty Ann will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday from St. Paul’s Church. Rev. Ralph Bove, pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.
Please consider memorial contributions to the R.E.K. Friends Forever Scholarship Fund, c/o Wendy Wright, Dist. Treasurer, Board of Education, 89 Midland Dr., Norwich, NY 13815.
Arrangements are by the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home.