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Catherine Collins Obituary
A voracious reader, passionate gardener and competitive tennis player into her mid-eighties, she was also a trusted confidante to an untold number of friends and family.
She leaves behind her six children, Neil B. Collins and wife Karen of Cream Ridge, NJ; Brigid C. Caffrey and husband Mark of Ridgewood, NJ; Cathleen M. Panowicz of Prairie Village, Kansas; John C. Collins and wife Nancy of Providence, RI; Martha C. Sylvia and husband David of Misquamicut, RI and Ann M. McCarthy and husband Scott of Berwyn, PA. Catherine will also be dearly missed by her nineteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born in Pawtucket, RI, she was the daughter of Edward J. and Anna Coogan. She is survived by 3 of her 7 siblings, Edward J. Coogan, Jr. of Rumford, RI, James J. Coogan of Mattapoisett, MA, and Mary Martin of Round Pond, ME.
Many, many years ago Catherine handwrote a letter expressing her end-of-life wishes and mailed copies to each of her children. Contained within the letter were the following verses:
I hope that you all will never lose touch with each other and that you'll always be there for one another. Friends are wonderful and I hope you have many but in the end, no one loves you more than your family. Don't pay attention to who calls who, when or how often. You make the call.
Have faith in God. He is always with us in good times and bad. Go to Church, practice your faith, make it a habit and give this most precious gift to your children. I love you all, Mom
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life will be held at St. Clare Church, 62 Crandall Avenue, Misquamicut, RI at 11am on Thursday, February 19th. Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home of Westerly, RI is overseeing arrangements. A private burial service will take place at a later date.
For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Catherine's memory to either or both, The Warm Center or the Westerly Public Library: http://warmcenter.org or http://www.westerlylibrary.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Collins
Sponsored by Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly.
4 Entries
DT
February 18, 2026
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life´s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of God, family and friends. Please find comfort in the words found at Isaiah 61: 1,2.
Michelle Campbell
February 17, 2026
Martha and David,
I was so very sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time.
I know how much your family means to you, and I can only imagine how heavy this must feel. I hope you are surrounded by love and support, and that the memories you shared bring comfort in the days ahead.
Please know that I am thinking of you all and holding you in my thoughts.
With sympathy,
Michelle Campbell
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Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly59 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891
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