May B. Collins, 95, died Saturday evening at her daughter’s home in South Lee surrounded by her family.
She was born May 18, 1922, in Manchester, England, the daughter of Arthur and Elizabeth Wrigley Beswick. She was educated in schools in England and served in the British Army Auxiliary Territorial Services where she worked on the maintenance of tanks. There she met the love of her life, Robert M. Collins, of the 82nd Airborne Division. They were married in Leicester, England, in 1944.
She came to the United States in March 1946 on the USS Washington, one of the “bride boats,” and settled in South Lee where she raised her family. In the early 1960s, she was the program director for the South Lee playground. She graduated from Berkshire Community College with a degree in licensed practical nursing in 1971 and did private-duty care for over 30 years. She was an avid bowler for many years and loved dressing up for Halloween. She enjoyed going to the casino and traveling, especially on cruises, but her true passion was caring for others.
May is survived by four sons: Peter W. Collins and wife Lauren of Peacham, Vermont, Barry A. Collins of Lee, Terrance P. Collins and wife Theresa of South Lee, and Kevin T. Collins of Lee; four daughters: Roberta M. Collins of Pompano Beach, Florida, Casey Glenar and husband Jeffrey of South Lee, Alice V. Collins and husband Peter Putnam of South Lee, and Sandra M. Andenmatten and husband Bob of Housatonic; 16 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Connie Collins of Rochester, New York, and many nieces and nephews both here and abroad.
She was predeceased by her husband, Bob, and all of her siblings who remained in the United Kingdom.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, Dec. 28, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Lee. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Wednesday, Dec. 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Kelly Funeral Home in Lee. Friends wishing may make donations in her memory to the WMLA Council in Pittsfield or the Salvation Army in c/o the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238. To send a donation, leave a message of condolence or share pictures, visit www.kellyfuneralhome.net.
