Obituary of Irene Frances Collins

Irene Frances Collins, 83, of Peabody, died early Friday morning at the Rosewood Nursing Home in Peabody following a long illness. Born in Peabody, she was the daughter of the late Edward P. and Myrtle (Barnes) Collins. She was raised and educated in Peabody and was a lifelong resident of the city. Irene starting working at a young age for Ideal Baby Shoe, Regis Leather and for over 40 years she worked for GTE Sylvania as an assembler before retiring in 1980. While working at Sylvania she was very active in organizing social events and was involved in many leagues associated with Sylvania and was a member of the Quarter Century Club as well. She also enjoyed bowling and golfing. Irene was an active member of St. John’s the Baptist Church in Peabody and was a member of the Ladies Sodality at the church. Irene’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at the Rosewood Nursing Home, especially Fred, Amie, and Maureen for their exceptional care, professionalism, and loving regard for Irene and her family. They are deeply grateful. She is survived by her loving nieces and nephews, Patricia Ruscio of Peabody, Robert Collins of Holden, James Collins of Danvers, Richard Collins of Saugus, Michael Phelan of Salem and William Phelan of Salem, Kathleen Clark of FL, William Clark of Danvers, Mark Clark of Salem, and John O’Neil of NH, and is also survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Clark of FL and several grand nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late William and Frank Clark, Edward J. Collins, Ruth Phelan and Alice O’Neil, and aunt of the late Maryellen Boston. Her funeral service will be held on Monday at 10:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Peabody, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 5:00 until 8:00 PM. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem.