Obituary of Virginia Collins

Virginia (Jeanne) Collins, age 98, devoted wife of the late Thomas P. Collins Jr., of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024.

Her memory will be cherished by sons, Tom Collins III, Jack Collins (Kay), Chris Collins (Carol); daughter, Peg Crossin; and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Collins. Jeanne was also blessed with 14 Grandchildren Michael Collins (Josephine), Tom Collins IV (Drea), Jennifer Imbrogno (Larry), Bryan Collins (Stefanie), Matthew Collins (Kaley), Mary Kate Collins (Clive), Eileen Crossin (Simon), Katie Engeldrum (Matt), Maura Crossin (Kevin), Sean Collins, Caroline Collins, Ryan Collins (Alex), Nora Collins (Nick), and Jack Collins; as well as 14 Great Grandchildren Michael, Alyssa, Juliana, Brayden, Tyler, Mae Louise, Maxwell, Sam, Jack, Sienna,  Patrick, Emma, Greyson and Finley. In addition to her beloved husband Tom, Jeanne was predeceased by her son, Kevin Collins; and son-in-law, Patrick Crossin.

Born Virginia Margaret Brown on September 25, 1925 in Hartford, CT, Jeanne went to Bassick High School where she met the love of her life, Tom Collins, whom she has missed every day since he died in 2018. She went to Nursing school at St. Francis School of Nursing in Hartford, then became a school Nurse in Bridgeport before she raised her 5 children and helped to raise her grandchildren. She shared some great recipes which are used frequently by all! Jeanne and Tom lived in Black Rock for many years where she also worked at Collins Pharmacy & Medical Equipment as so many in our family did and were members of Saint Ann Parish for over 50 years where their children received the Sacraments. They later lived in Fairfield before retiring and moving to Florida in 1998 where they spent 17 wonderful years.

Life at Cocoa Beach is a highlight of all our memories with The Coach and Sweetheart, aka Papa and Gaga. They hosted many great gatherings over the years at the Fairfield Beach house in the 60’s and at Laurel Beach in the 70’s and 80’s. Brookmere Drive in Fairfield was home to many epic family holiday parties and Super Bowls, as all her grandchildren can attest. Many great memories were made with family and friends, hence the special glass that was made: “Tom and Jeanne Collins Serve the Finest People”! The highlights of Jeanne’s 98 plus years were most certainly spent with her 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren over the last 50 years. We are so fortunate to have pictures of 4 generations, such a blessing. Our mom will be truly missed but we know she is at peace in a better place reunited with our Dad and Kevin.

The Collins family would like to thank the staff at Mozaic Senior Life in Bridgeport where our Mom spent the last 4 and a half years, especially Donette, Luisa, Linda and Taneesha.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. directly at St. Ann Church, 481 Brewster Street, Bridgeport, CT 06605. All other services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be directed to Swim Across the Sound by visiting www.swimacrossthesound.org

For travel directions or to sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com