Rita Rosemarie Collins

Mrs. Rita Rosemarie (Gulla) Collins age 93 years died at the Clark House in Westwood, Massachusetts on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on October 1, 1917, she was the daughter of Salvatore and Rose (Locarno) Gulla. She graduated from Norwood High School with the Class of 1935. she has been a resident of Fox Hill Village in Westwood since 2003 moving there from Walpole, Massachusetts.

She and her late husband owned and operated Birchards Jewlery and Gift Store in Walpole Center, later she worked at the Walpole Woodworkers until her retirement at age 80. She had over 60 years experience in marketing and sales.

Her greatest joy came from her children and especially her grandchildren.

Beloved wife of the late Francis J. Collins. Loving mother of Michael F. Collins of Boston and Worcester, Daniel J. Collins of Skillman, NJ and J. Christopher Collins of Sterling. Cherished grandmother of Michael F., Jr., Elizabeth M., Christopher J., Meaghan M., Micaela T., Sarah A. and Daniel P. Collins. Sister of Anita G. Sullivan of Walpole, the late Perina A. Gallo, the late Eleanor M. Amici and the late Alfred S. Gulla. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Saint Catherine of Siena Church Washington Street (Route 1A) at Nahatan Street Norwood on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 10:00 AM . Visiting hours are Friday, May 13, 2011 from 3 PM to 8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home 48 Common Street Walpole. Interment will be in Highland Cemetery, Norwood. Memorial donations may be made to: College of the Holy Cross 1 College Street Worcester, Massachusetts 01610.