We are deeply saddened to announce that Denise “Auntie Nisa” died on Sunday, September 3rd in UMASS Memorial Medical Center – Memorial Campus. She leaves to cherish her memory three wonderful and beautiful daughters, Maryellen “Mella” wife of Joseph Moynagh of Leicester, Denise “Sam” wife of Darryn Romanelli of North Carolina, and Debra wife of John Dowd of Leicester; two sisters, Donna Paradis wife of John Dickinson of Oxford, and Darryl Allard “Lemanski” of Worcester; and a brother Michael Allard of Worcester. She also leaves five beautiful grandchildren, Amanda wife of Matthew Pittman, Jessica wife of Jarrod Smith, Richard and Stephen Romanelli all of North Carolina, and Shannon Moynagh of Leicester; seven grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews – She loved them all! Her husband of 29 years, James P. “Jim” Collins died in 2017. She was predeceased by two brothers, Val-Gene and Marty Allard.
Denise was the daughter of Daniel and Maire (St. Denis) Paradis. For over 25 years, Denise and Jim spent all their summers in Vermont, New Hampshire and Canada. They enjoyed fishing and camping together; as well as V.I.P. trophy fishing, and wilderness float plane adventures. Denise and Jim also enjoyed an afternoon at the casino, a tradition that Mella continued to carry on with Denise. She worked for the City of Worcester for over 30 years, as a school bus driver, retiring in 1990.
The family would like to thank the staff of Oasis at Dodge Park for the compassion and excellent care Denise received during her time there.
To honor Denise’s requests there are no services. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is assisting the family with arrangements.