Elizabeth "Betty" M. Collins

Elizabeth “Betty” M. (Gelinas) Collins, 86, of Worcester, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family.  Her husband of fifty-eight years, George L. Collins, predeceased her in December 2013.

Betty is survived by her loving family, including four sons, George J. Collins, Larry M. Collins and his wife Sandra, Thomas M. Collins, and Wade K. Collins, all of Worcester; a daughter, Diane E. Wise, wife of the late Garry Wise, of Washington State; a sister, Marilyn McCall of West Brookfield; seven grandchildren, Cara M. Collins, Chad M. Wise, Lauren M. Hayes, Jarad M. Wise, Timothy M. Collins, and twins Brittni E. Wise and Briana K. DeWolfe; twelve great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brothers, Reginald and Roland Gelinas of Worcester.  Betty was born in East Hampton, MA, daughter of the late, Reginald and Bessie Mae (Hicks) Gelinas, and has lived most of her life in Worcester.  She graduated from Commerce High in 1954.

She operated Betty’s Day Care in Worcester, for over thirty-five years, and in that time, she cared for hundreds of children, providing them with care and love.  Betty enjoyed BINGO, bowling at Colonial Bowling Lanes, ceramics, and creating beautiful “Yo-Yo” quilts, that she shared with many family and friends.  She was always delighted to gather each year with her girlfriends from grammar school as they celebrated the old days and their blessed lives.

Calling Hours will be on Wednesday, January 6, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  Her Funeral Service will be held privately.  Interment beside her husband will be at Rural Cemetery, Worcester.

Her service can be viewed via “live stream” on Thursday beginning at 11:25 a.m., by visiting the funeral home website www.mercadantefuneral.com and then selecting the “live services” tab.  The stream will begin automatically.

*Social Distancing and the use of face masks will be required at the funeral home and cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Bucky’s Food Pantry at St. Bernard’s Church, 236 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605.