Barbara J. Collins

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our beloved Barbara Jean Collins, affectionately known as Barb/Bubba, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Pittsburgh, surrounded by her loving family. Barb was preceded in death by the light of her life, her husband, Ted Collins. They shared 66 wonderful years of marriage, and Barb often expressed how much she loved her life with Ted. Barb leaves behind her four adoring daughters: Mary Sue Craig (Dan), Joan Overton (Russell), Kathleen (Charlie), and Jill Jaffe (Rich). She was a proud grandmother to Jared (Suzanne), Caitlin (Nate), and Ben Craig, Ethan and Noah (Maddie) Overton, and Emma and Mia Jaffe. Recently, she welcomed three great-granddaughters into the family: Andrea and Charlotte Novacek and Kennedy Ray Overton. Barb's face would light up with joy whenever she saw these baby girls. Barb also had a wonderful relationship with her two younger brothers, Paul and Mark McCool, along with their wives, Jan and Anne Marie. Her legacy lives on through her numerous nieces and nephews, who adored her greatly. For over 30 years, Barb worked as a local and very popular dental hygienist. She had a true passion for her career and genuinely loved her patients. Beyond her professional life, Barb was an enthusiastic food and wine lover, entertainer, and gardener long before these hobbies became trendy. Her greatest passion was ensuring that Ted and her daughters were well taken care of, which she did so completely and lovingly. Barb will fondly be remembered for her countless sayings and "Barbisms," such as "Life is good on a good day," "How are your people," "You are very efficient," and "If you can't have a few chuckles every day, your life is sad." The most important "Is it wine time " These words of wisdom and her vibrant spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Barb was a beacon of faith and devotion. She would spend countless hours in prayer and was always eager to share the significance of meditation and nurturing a loving relationship with God. Her unwavering faith and spiritual guidance have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Barb's memory will always remain dear to us. Thank you for keeping Barb and our family in your thoughts during this difficult time. There will be a Funeral Mass for Barb at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at Mother of Sorrows Church, 4204 Old William Penn Highway, Murrysville. In lieu of flowers, Barb would prefer a donation to be made at any of the following organizations: Clelian Heights, Mother of Sorrows, or Meals on Wheels. VAIA FUNERAL HOME INC., 463 Athena Dr., Delmont, (724-468-1177), has been entrusted with the arrangements. To send online expressions of sympathy or obtain grief support information or directions, please visit www.VaiaFuneralHome.com.