Elinor Collins

December 13, 1922 - September 7, 2013

HOLYOKE- Elinor Collins, 90, died peacefully at Loomis Communities in Holyoke, MA. She previously lived in the family home at 189 Beech St since her birth in 1922. Elinor was preceded in death by her parents Michael Joseph Collins and Mary Rooney Collins, and by her brother James D Collins. Elinor is survived by her nephew Michael Leo Collins of Yakima WA, his wife Kay Funk, MD and their sons James C Collins of Guam and Donovan S Collins of Singapore. Elinor grew up in a large household which included her grandfather and grandmother, William and Mary Heffron Rooney, her parents Michael J and Mary Rooney Collins, her mother�s sisters, Nellie, Annie, and Margaret Rooney, and her brother James D Collins (who had a long career teaching philosophy at St Louis University). Two other of her mothers� siblings lived in the area, William F Rooney and Katherine Rooney (Sister St William) who had a long career teaching with the Sisters of St Joseph. Elinor�s selfless care for her extended family was appreciated by all. Elinor attended Holyoke Public Schools and graduated from the College of New Rochelle, worked in St Louis for a number of years, and had a long career as a legal secretary at Massachusetts Mutual Insurance Company in Springfield. Elinor loved to read and to travel, touring all across the United States, in Ireland, Great Britain and Europe. Her dog Heidi was a beloved companion. Elinor showed courage and resilience navigating a difficult life, and maintained a positive outlook and a great fashion sense. She will be missed by all who knew her. The family especially wishes to thank the staff at Loomis Communities who provided her with a safe home and loving care for many years; her lawyer Jack Ferriter and his secretary Debbie Beaudry; her longtime friend and helper Ralph Blanchard; and all of her many friends who gave her good companionship through the years. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at St Jerome Church, 169 Hampden St, Holyoke at 10AM on Monday, September 16, 2013. The Rite of Burial and Committal will be in St. Jerome Cemetery. A luncheon at the Tavern on the Hill, 100 Mountain Rd (Route 141, next door to the Log Cabin), Easthampton, will follow the burial. Please visit www.messierfuneralhome.com for more details.