Virginia M. Collins, 99, formerly of Pittsfield and Westwood, MA, died peacefully in her sleep on February 12th in Cary, NC. Born in Worcester, to the late Joseph C. and Margret (Pyne) McGinn. Ginny graduated from Worcester State College in 1947 with a degree in education. She taught elementary school in Sutton and Hinsdale before pausing her career for her family. In the early 1970's, she joined the Pittsfield Public Schools as a Special Education teacher until her retirement in 1987. She was a communicant of St. Mark's Church.
She leaves two sons, James W., Jr., and his wife, Mary of Cary, N.C., and Robert C. of Natick, MA; two daughters, Cathleen M. of Natick and Naureen E. of North Adams; as well as five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Alice O'Connell and Madeleine Goodney; and a host of extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, James W. Collins, whom she married June 28, 1948, and a son, Michael J. Collins.
Her funeral will be on Monday, March 17th from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00am in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street. A calling hour will be on Monday, March 17th from 9:30 until 10:30 in the funeral home.