Obituary of Claire Collins

Claire L. Collins, a former State Champion Bowler, passed away after a long illness at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill on Sunday night, August 8, 2009. She was 74 years old. Claire was born in Boston, the daughter of the late Harold and Mary Wilson. She grew up and was educated in Billerica. After graduating from Howe High School in Billerica, she worked at East Coast Aero Tech in Bedford Mass for several years and then Raytheon Waltham, Mass in Sales & Marketing pioneering the invention of the microwave oven Amana for 9 years. She worked at Filene’s Burlington Mall for 30 years as a Sales Associate. She earned the Diamond award a dozen times, she was honored as the Sales Associate of the Year for 1990. Claire was an exceptional candlepin bowler. Over the years she won 100’s of matches. In 1969 she won the Class A State Championship Candlepin Title. In 1988 she won the Class C State Championship Candlepin Title. She was on Candlepins for Cash numerous times. She loved the sport and the bond she shared with her fellow bowlers. Claire was always willing to give of herself for others. She and friends volunteered for 10 years at the Floating Hospital in Boston making non perishable Easter baskets for the children. She was a Den Mother for the Scouts and was proud to see her 2 sons become Eagle Scouts. She also volunteered at Saint Margaret’s Church for several years. She volunteered in the Library at the Memorial School. Claire loved to spend time with her family and many friends. She enjoyed gardening, shopping, cooking, the beach and ceramics. She enjoyed traveling with her husband to Aruba, Bermuda, Ft. Meyers and Nova Scotia being some of her favorite destinations. She will be lovingly remembered by all her family and friends. Claire was the beloved wife of 48 years of John D. Collins of Burlington. She was the loving mother of Daniel Collins of Mashpee and the late Michael Collins. She was the sister of the late Hank Wilson. She was the grandmother of Madison Vandewoude-Collins. She was also survived by 21 loving nieces and nephews primarily in Woburn, Cape Cod, and CT. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret’s Church at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Claire’s name may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, Attn: Tammy Stott, Home Health Foundation, 360 Merrimack Street, Building 9, Lawrence, MA 01843. For directions, obituary, & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net or www.saintmargaretschurch.net Honoring Claire L. Collins Claire said: “Allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love….” Quoted from the St. Theresa's Prayer, “May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you.” Like my Mom, Saint Theresa is known as the ‘Saint’ of the Little Ways, meaning she believed in doing the little things in life well and with great love. My Mom lived each day with unshakeable confidence in God's love. She has inspired many to give, (better to give than to receive) and to love and pray for each other. Please continue to pray for her and she will pray for you. Let’s continue her legacy together. It will make our earth a better more tranquil place to live! Mom, you will always be in our hearts, Your son, Daniel