1931 - 2015
Passed peacefully away following a brief illness, Irene Collins, aged 84. Predeceased by parents Thomas and Irene (Cantwell) Halley; six brothers and sisters, including her lifelong 'best friend' Mary; and youngest son John. Irene leaves to remember and celebrate her life Dr. John F. Collins her husband; children Victoria, Mark (Leann) and Elaine (Joseph Llamzon); grandchildren Emma, Samuel and Abigail Collins, and Thomas Llamzon; as well as a wide circle of family and friends. Born in St. John's in 1931, Irene was educated at the Mercy Convent, St. John's, and the Sacred Heart Convent in Halifax. After receiving her RN from the Royal Victoria Hospital School of Nursing, Montreal, she worked at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, New York, and later in occupational health at Time magazine in New York City. Following her return to St. John's and marriage in 1959, she opened Jack and Jill, one of the province's first home support agencies. She later attended Memorial University, receiving a BA and a B.Ed. She was a member of the board of directors, and later the executive director of the Victorian Order of Nurses in St. John's. After retiring, she turned her attention to documenting the genealogy of her family branches, authoring three books. The family would like to send special thanks to the dedicated physicians and nurses who treated Irene at St. Clare's Mercy Hospital, as well as to Dr. Marie O'Dea and Dr. Maureen Bourgeois. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 29, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Carnell's Funeral Home, Freshwater Rd. A Funeral will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 9:30 a.m. at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Torbay Road. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Memorial University. To send a message of condolence or sign the memorial guest book, please visit www.carnells.com.