Nancy R. (Riley) Collins

Nancy Ellen (Riley) Collins, 85, died peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2015, at�Baystate Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Hartford, CT to the late Francis and Ellen (Nagle) Riley, she was a lifelong Springfield resident. She�was a graduate of�St. Joseph�s University in West Hartford, CT.�A�21 year school teacher in Springfield, Nancy�worked�at�Balliet, Freeman and White Street Schools, until her retirement. A longtime communicant of Holy Cross Church, she was a Eucharistic minister and served on the board for many years. She was a member of the Catholic Women�s Club, College Club of Springfield,�Black Point Beach Club Assoc. and St. Joseph University Alumni Board.�Along with her husband�Bill,�Nancy was a devoted volunteer at Mercy Hospital and Baystate Medical Center,�City Stage, Hartford Stage and Open Pantry. Nancy was selfless and devoted her life to her family, her church and the community. She will be sadly missed by her beloved husband of 62 years William L. Collins, five loving children; William L. Collins, Jr., his wife Janet�and their children; Damien Collins, Jacqueline Dunn and Jillian Garcia of�Springfield; Timothy D. Collins, his wife Mary Beth and their children; Matthew and Meeghan Collins of Springfield, Anne C. Sweeney, her husband Daniel and their son Nathan Sweeney of Danvers, Kathryn �Kitty� Pinch, her husband Timothy, and their children; Katie�Kirwin, Brian, Emily and Sarah Pinch of Hingham; Matthew F. Collins , his wife, Cathy, and their daughters: Hannah and Becca�Collins of Somers, CT,�as well as�five cherished great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Elizabeth�Vecchiola. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17th�from 4:00 � 8:00 pm at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd.,�Wilbraham. Family and friends may meet for Nancy�s Funeral Mass on�Friday at�10:00 am�at Holy Cross Church, 221 Plumtree Rd., Springfield. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Nancy�s name may be made to The Children�s Room, East Lyme Library,�Society�Rd., Niantic, CT 06357.