Anne Collins, CSJP (1927-2024)
Sister Anne Collins was born on March 2, 1927, in Tureenamult, Co. Kerry, Ireland. She was the third of eight children born to Timothy and Hannah (O’Keefe) Collins. Her mother owned a poultry station and her father worked on the farm and, in his spare time, did carpentry. The family prayed the rosary every night.
Sister Anne entered the Congregation as a young woman in Cabra, Ireland. She began the novitiate in Nottingham, England, but her initial formation experience was disrupted by World War II. During this time, Sister Anne was sent to serve in a boy’s seminary in Scotland. Later she was sent to help the elder sisters in London, England. Sister Anne recalled this chaotic period as one where they “got used to the sirens and the bombings, but almost died with hunger.” She was part of the group of novices who moved from Nottingham to the newly purchased Sacred Heart Convent in Rearsby, England. Once transatlantic travel was again safe, she travelled to New Jersey and finished her novitiate at St. Michael Villa in Englewood Cliffs.
Sister Anne ministered in a variety of positions that required adaptability, organization, attention to detail, and creativity. She began as an aide at St. Mary’s Institute for the Blind in Lansdale, Pennsylvania; She was a housekeeper, seamstress, and dietician at numerous convents in New Jersey; And she acted as a chapel housekeeper, interior decorator, assistant dietitian, and arranger of interfaith religious services at St. James Hospital, Newark, New Jersey. After receiving her license in Cosmetology in 1977, Sister Anne served as a patient beautician in Health Services at Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck, New Jersey, until her retirement in 2008.
In 2009 Sister Anne joined the St. Michael Villa community, where she shared her gift of a “green thumb.” As the resident gardener, she cared for the many and varied plants in the Peace Passage between St. Michael Villa and Hudson Villa. For her, it was a labor of love.
Throughout her years of ministry, Sister Anne will be fondly remembered for her deep love of God and all of God’s creation, which shone through her actions, her smile, and her exuberant yet gentle presence.
Sister Anne died peacefully at St. Michael Villa on April 17, 2024. She was predeceased by her brothers, Tim, Daniel, Patrick, John, and Charles, and her sister, Sister Annunciata Collins, FSMA, who was called “Bridie.” She is survived by her sister Hannah Mary Doherty.
A combined wake service and Liturgy of Christian burial was held on April 22, 2024, at St. Michael Villa, followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, New Jersey.