Carmela Rocco Collins

1921 - 2010

Carmela Rocco Collins (Lina), 88, of Oxnard, passed away peacefully in her home, with family at her side, on 16 November, 2010.

She was born in Naples, Italy, to Agostino and Maria Rocco, on 27 November, 1921. She met the love of her life, Orion Oxley Collins (Pete), who was in the US Army, during WWII. They married on August 5, 1945 and she followed him to America in 1946, crossing the Atlantic on a two week voyage. She landed at Ellis Island, NY on May 17. Being married to a military man, she moved frequently, living in England, Iowa, Chicago, Barstow, Seattle, San Antonio and El Paso.

After the untimely death of her husband in 1965, she settled in Oxnard, CA, to raise their five children ages 3 to 18 and to be near her sister and brother-in-law, Assunta (Susie) and Richard Pratt and their family. They were later joined by their older sister, Anna Rocco who came from Italy. The "Three Italian Girls" lived life to the fullest and always put their families first. Because she believed the kitchen was the heart of the home, there were many gatherings in Lina's kitchen. Cooking from scratch, the Italian trio would work all day to make our favorite Italian dishes like gnocchi, Bolognese, calamari, Genovese, fried pizza, and many, many more. No meal was ever served without Lina's favorite food, bread.

Never re-marrying, she devoted her life to raising her five children, and babysitting her beloved grandchildren. She was always helping others and gave to many causes. One of her favorites was St. Jude's Hospital. Lina was always thankful that her children and grandchildren were healthy.

Being a devout Catholic, she rarely missed Sunday mass at St. Anthony's and regularly watched the Pope's mass from Rome on TV. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America until she could no longer drive. The Holidays are coming but they will never be the same. We will all miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete; her parents, Agostino and Maria; her brother Raffaele; her brother-in-law, Dick; and her sisters Anna and Susie.

She is survived by her children Annamaria Chaparro (Richard), Robert Collins (Judy), Michael Collins (Lisa), John Collins (Celine), Steven Collins (Michele), and eleven loving grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews both in the U.S. and Italy. "Bisogna navigare secondi il vento" (As the wind blows, so you must set your sail).

Visitation for Carmela will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. with Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26 at Santa Clara Mortuary, 2370 North H St., Oxnard. Memories and sharing will take place from 9:15 to 10 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Saturday Nov.27 at Santa Clara Mortuary. Burial will take place at Santa Clara Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Parkinson Disease Association. Memories and condolences may be sent to the Collins Family at www.santaclaramortuary.com Santa Clara Mortuary 805-485-5757