Irene (Murphy) Collins

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Irene (Murphy) Collins, passed away peacefully on May 19th, 2022, at the age of 90. Born in Cork City, Ireland on September 6th, 1931, Irene and her husband, the late Michael Finbar Collins (1927-2012), relocated from Ireland to Boston in 1956 to begin their family. Irene and Michael spent the majority of their lives living in Milton, MA, raising 6 children. Irene, ever the fashionista, worked as a salesperson at Lord and Taylor in the South Shore Plaza for over 25 years. Irene loved putting together the best looks and was rarely seen in the same outfit twice. Irene and Michael loved to spend nights dancing at the Irish Social Club, travelling, and wintering in Marco Island, FL. A devout Catholic, Irene was a longtime member of St Mary of the Hills Parish, where she also spent time volunteering. Irene’s greatest passion in life was her family. She loved spending time with her kids and grandkids, travelling to sporting events, graduations and all major life moments. We will carry with us the memory of her laugh, kindness and quick-wit, and will be forever grateful for the time spent with her.   

Irene leaves behind her six children, Michael Finbar Collins of Boston, Denise and Edwin Shea Jr.  of Shrewsbury, Joseph and Maureen Collins of Mansfield, Lorraine and Brian Maclaine of N. Easton, Michele and Bill McNicholas of Norton and Colleen and Scott Jenkins of Mansfield. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Tara Shea, Edwin and Mallory Shea, Colin Shea and his Fiancé Kristen Lannan, Kayla Shea, Joseph Collins, Jason Collins, Jared Collins, Andrew Maclaine, Dennis Maclaine, Nora Maclaine, Julia Maclaine, Michael McNicholas, Sean McNicholas, Emily Jenkins, Christopher Jenkins and Coleman Jenkins. She is predeceased by her husband, Michael F. Collins, her sister Rita Murphy, her brother Sean Murphy and his wife Teresa.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Hills Church, Milton, Wednesday morning, May 25th, at 10 AM. Visiting hours will be at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home, 326 Granite Ave., Milton, Tuesday, 4 to 7 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital or St. Mary of the Hills Parish, Milton, MA.