Mary "Pat" Elizabeth (Keefe) Collins

Mary “Pat” Elizabeth (Keefe) Collins, of Cromwell, passed away at home surrounded by her family on Friday, August 17, 2018.  Mary was born in Hartford on July 18, 1947 to the late John and Mildred (Shewokis) Keefe.  Mary and her late husband, Christian A. Collins owned and operated Fair Weather Acres in Rocky Hill.

Mary grew up in Windsor Locks and worked as a nurse’s aide before meeting her husband, Chris at DailTone Bar, when he decided to give her a ring at her table and as they say “the rest is history”.  Chris was always teasing Mary about the way they met, and she always was severely annoyed by his interpretation.

Mary was a hard worker and extremely active in Connecticut Agriculture.  She was one of the few women who were first and foremost in having a voice in Connecticut Agriculture, making lifelong friends along the way. She was always willing to lend a hand or serve on a committee.  She was a leader in 4H and Campfire, an active member of Connecticut Farm Bureau.  She loved volunteering and devoting her off farm season time to her children, attending class trips, bringing farm exhibits to school, and making up for any loss time from the summer months.  Mary was always strong willed and a force to be reckoned with, even her last years.

Mary is survived by her children, Melissa Tackett of South Glastonbury, William Collins and his wife, Michele of Rocky Hill, and Jaimie Collins Doyle and her husband, Robert of Clinton; and her brother, Thomas Keefe and his wife, Kaye of Windsor Locks.  She will be greatly missed by her grandkids, who were her shining light and joy, Charles, Jr., Samantha, and Travis Tackett, Andrew and Shaun Collins, Ayden and Brianna Doyle and her sweet and gender confused cat, Butterbutt.

Mary’s family would like to say a special thank you to the caring staffs of Middlesex Health Care, Saint Francis Hospital, and Middlesex Hospice for their wonderful care. They also would like to say thank you to their family and friends for their support whether it was a visit, card, phone call or kind thoughts.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday, August 28 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Cromwell Funeral Home, 506 Main Street, Cromwell.  Memories and reflections will be spoken immediately following at 7:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to Hartford County 4H Association, 270 Farmington Avenue, Suite 262, Farmington, CT 06032.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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