Eileen M. “Iree” (Ryan) Collins of Wellesley, Harwich Port, and Vero Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Herbert W. Collins. Devoted mother of Susan C. Shriner and her husband James T. of Wickford, RI, and Steven M. Collins of Scituate. Dear sister of Robert J. Ryan of Wellesley, Kevin C. Ryan of FL, the late Joan Walkins and John B. Ryan. Loving grandmother of Elizabeth and James Shriner, Jr., Caitlin, Griffin, and Jillian Collins. Great grandmother of Vivienne Shriner, Sadie, and Samuel Rosenberg. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Born into a family of five children to Irish immigrant parents, Eileen carried throughout her life the determination, independence, and resilience that shaped her early years. At a young age, she met her husband Herbert, whom she built a life with and raised their two children, Susan and Steven. With a strong sense of self and an appreciation for the finer things in life, she had an extraordinary eye for beauty, design, and detail. Though never formally trained, she possessed a natural talent for interior design and an instinctive understanding of color, style, and elegance, which she expressed in the homes she lovingly created. She took great pride in her appearance and had an unmistakable sense of personal style, always presenting herself with grace and sophistication. Above all, her greatest joys in later life were her family, particularly her five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable happiness. She leaves behind a legacy of independence, beauty, and an appreciation for the art of living well.
Visiting in the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., West Roxbury, on Friday, November 6th from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Followed by a Funeral Service at 12:30pm in the Funeral Home. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Eileen may be made to The Dementia Society of America www.dementiasociety.org. https://www.dementiasociety.org/