Claire E. Collins

Claire E. (Ryan) Collins, died peacefully at age 76 on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Claire was born on May 26, 1948. She was the daughter of William and Irene (Flanagan) Ryan and grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts. After getting married, she settled in Medford with her family where she lived for almost 50 years. Claire and her husband, Jim, enjoyed trips to Cape Cod and Maine, particularly loving long drives looking at the ocean and houses.
She was a graduate of St. Clement High School in Somerville and worked for both the National Park Service and Archdiocese of Boston for many years. Claire was devoted to her family and loyal to them all. She cheered on her kids and grandkids at games both home and away for decades now, never leaving a doubt she was their biggest fan. Claire was an avid knitter, creating custom sweaters for family and friends. Her creativity broadened to include special gifts like travel chalkboards, pillowcases, bags of chocolates and other fun gifts to share, each of which could be found in the holiday craft fairs she participated in throughout MA and NH. Those lucky ones who have the benefit of being gifted one of Claire's teddy bears, which she proudly created and presented to kids, teachers, and coaches, still cherish them. It was always a treat to see what she was bringing to any of her grandkids, be it homemade banana bread, coffee cake or a separate surprise. She was a great mother who in earlier years enjoyed her time at the Medford Boat Club playing bocci, and a great friend who spent time with those individuals catching up and laughing. Family trips in the summer to Disney World were highlights of early family life as well.
Claire is survived by her loving husband, Jim Collins, and was the devoted mother of Kerry Sheehan (wife of Brian) of Medford, MA, and Jimmy Collins (husband of Jill) of Watertown, MA. She was the beloved Nana to Christopher, Ashley and Ryan Sheehan of Medford, MA, and James and Daniel Collins of Watertown, MA.
Claire was predeceased by her brothers, Joseph (Joe) Ryan of Marblehead, MA, William (Bill) Ryan of Swampscott, MA, and her sisters, Irene Sincleair of St. Cloud, MN, and Mary Lou Yanus of Medford, MA. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Raphael Parish, 514 High Street, Medford, MA 02155 on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford to follow.
Visitation for friends and relatives will be at Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut St, Arlington, MA 02474 on Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 4pm - 6pm.