Regina A. "Jeanne" Collins

Regina A. "Jeanne" (Manion) Collins, age 90, wife of the late John J. Collins of Marblehead, died Thursday, October 16, 2008, in the Lafayette Nursing Home, Marblehead.

Born in Evanston, IL, the daughter of the late, noted tenor, James J. Manion and Ann (Fitzgerald) Manion, she was raised and educated in Lake Forest, IL and graduated from Lake Forest High School. During World War II, she and her late husband, an officer stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station, met one evening at the Officer's Club. A whirlwind romance followed and they married December 26, 1942, and ultimately celebrated over 50 years of marriage.

A loving wife and mother, she began raising their family while her husband was overseas. She dedicated her life to her family, was an excellent cook and as always curious to know "the scoop" with her children and whatever was happening. Her love of conversation was contagious, especially when it came to discussing current events and politics. Just last week she had cast her absentee ballot for the upcoming presidential elections. She and her husband were both avid sports enthusiasts and enjoyed many Red Sox games together.

A voracious reader, she enjoyed golf and volunteered for the Cerebral Palsy Association. Her family summered for many years at Moody Beach in Maine, where she liked being at the beach and swimming.

Her dedication to her Catholic faith was powerful and gave her great strength as she attended daily Mass at Our Lady Star of the Church, Marblehead until becoming ill. This faith and her many friends who supported her at the Lafayette Nursing Home gave her great courage and comfort as she accepted her illness.

She is survived by six children, Peter Collins of Stockton, CA, James Collins and his wife Nancy of Shrewsbury, MA, Daniel Collins of Worcester, Ann Collins of Marblehead, Pat Collins and his wife Allison of Salem and Mary Maghan and her husband William of Stockton CA; a daughter-in-law, Lori Collins of Manchester, NH; a brother, Jim Manion of Fresno, CA; 12 grandchildren Jay, Garrett, Joseph, Sam, Tony, Brian, Peter, Kate, Annie, Michaela, Paddy, and Sophie; six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, John "Jack" Collins; a brother, Joseph Manion and two sisters, Fran Yore, her loving sister and closest friend, whom she now joins after her death only eight weeks ago, and Margaret McCracken.

Her funeral will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 81 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, MA. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visitation will be immediately before the funeral from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. Interment will be in Star of the Sea Cemetery, Marblehead, MA. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Star of the Sea Church Scholarship Fund, 81 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, MA 01945. For additional information or online guest book please contact the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., Salem, MA, 978 744 0497 or visit

MurphyFuneralHome.com