Catherine F. (Murphy) Collins, 98, of Brewster, MA died peacefully on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Cape Cod Hospital. Catherine, “Kitty”, was born and raised in Cork, Ireland, the daughter of the late John and Julia (Deasy) Murphy. In 1956 she came to the U.S. and settled in Framingham, MA where she raised her family with her loving husband, the late John Collins (2001). During these years, the family summered in Brewster where they would eventually become year round residents in 1981.
During her 38 years residing in Brewster, Kitty created enduring relationships with friends across the age spectrum. Spending time with them, and family were central to her life. She loved music, especially Opera. Her life of service to others was demonstrated through countless hours volunteering at Wingate Nursing Home, as a member of the Order of St. Franciscans and as a Parishioner at Our Lady of the Cape where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. At Our Lady of the Cape, Kitty volunteered in the Thrift Store for 32 years and was a member of the Ladies Guild. One of her many hobbies was baking, and over the years she became famous for her lemon squares and Christmas cakes, provided by her to countless church fairs and bake sales.
Kitty traveled across the globe exploring Italy, Germany, and Hawaii, and at the age of 90, set off to tour the Greek Isles. A lifelong adventurer, at age 86 Kitty hiked the Diamond Head Crater Trail in Honolulu, Hawaii and to her great thrill, recently flew a plane with some of her younger friends out of Chatham airport.
Kitty is survived by her beloved family: children, USAF Colonel (Retired) Donal Collins (Michelle) of Haymarket, VA, Hilary Weisgerber (Michael) of Agawam, MA and Claire Flynn (James) of Sandwich, MA; ten grandchildren, Moire Collins of Newport News, VA, Brendan Collins (Nikki) of Yorktown, VA, Rory Jansen (Josh) of Poulsbo, WA, Padraic Collins (Heather) of Newport News, VA, Conor Collins of Newport News, VA, Caitlin Shipley (Chris) of West Linn, OR, Julia Weisgerber or Agawam, MA, Brian Burlas (Alanna Richard, fiancé) of Worcester, MA and John Burlas of Holden, MA; and, ten great-grandchildren with another one due in December. Kitty also leaves many close friends, too numerous to mention by name, who kept her active in her later years.
Sincere thanks for the compassionate care and friendship given Kitty in the past few years by Donna Ruggiero of Visiting Angels, Pam Boyes, Mary McHugh & Fidelis Hospice (especially Joanne & Sharon) and the staff of Cape Cod Hospital.
Visiting hours will take place on Thursday, June 13th 4-7 p.m. at Doane, Beal & Ames, 729 Route 134, South Dennis, MA 02660. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Friday, June 14th at Our Lady of the Cape, 468 Stony Brook Rd., Brewster, MA 02631.
Memorial contributions in Kitty’s name may be made to Fidelis Hospice, 25 Railroad Square, Haverill, MA 01832, http://www.fidelishospice.com. For online condolences, please visit www.doanebealamesdennis.com
