Eleanor M. (Roche) Collins

Eleanor M. (Roche) Collins, 78, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the Coleman House in Northborough where she resided for the last two years.   Eleanor was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late John F. and Helen M. (Bonczek) Roche and lived there most of her life. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and went on to receive an Associate’s Degree in Science from Becker Junior College.  Eleanor initially worked as a medical secretary and later entered the insurance industry, working at Insurance Marketing Agencies for 12 years and Quaker Agency for over 20 years.  She enjoyed learning and growing in her profession, advancing to become a Senior Underwriter and Personnel Manager, and valued the friendships she made along the way. Eleanor is survived by her son, Brian M. Collins of Ashland, NH; her daughter, Christine L. Duffy of Southborough, MA; five grandchildren, Ella and Grace Collins and Julia, Patrick and Brian Duffy; her nephew, Paul Roche; and three nieces, Marianne Leblanc, Lorrie Carlson and Jeanne Rafferty. She is predeceased by her two brothers, John J. and James F. Roche. Services for Eleanor will be held on Monday, June 6, 2016 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 600 Cambridge St., Worcester. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.  A period of calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 5th from 5-7 p.m. in the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to National Parkinson Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL  33131 or http://www.parkinson.org