Virginia A. Collins, also known as Jean or Ginny, 85, formerly of Hampton NH and Reading MA, passed away on January 3rd. Jean was born and raised in Lawrence MA, the daughter of the late Peter J. Ryan and Mary (Black) Ryan. She lived in Reading for 38 years with her late husband, Robert M. "Bob" Collins, where they raised eight children. In retirement, Jean moved to Hampton where she enjoyed many years living by the ocean.

Jean was a graduate of Lawrence High School, and Lowell State College. Jean worked as a teacher at the Killam School and Parker Middle School in Reading for 25 years and believed through hard work and education nothing was impossible. She inspired and empowered her children, her students and everyone she encountered with this passionate message that education is the key to unlocking one's ambitions and desires. Jean loved music, politics, and people. In her retirement she enjoyed swimming at the YMCA, participating in NH politics, playing the piano, and entertaining family and friends at her home on the New Hampshire coast.

Jean was predeceased by her husband Bob in 2010 and her brother John P. Ryan of Florida. She is survived by her children Mary McDougall of Palo Alto CA, Patricia Collins of Falls Church VA, Michael Collins of Irvine CA, Peter Collins of Reading, Kathleen Forelli of Carlisle, Neil Collins of Marblehead, Gail Bernardin of Carlisle, Tara Collins Donnelly of Brookline, and nineteen grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, January 23rd at St. Theresa's Church in Rye, NH. Following the service, family and friends are invited to a luncheon to celebrate Virginia's life. Visiting hours on Thursday, January 21st from 5-8 at the Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. Reading, MA. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Virginia's name may be made to the Reading Scholarship Foundation www.Readingsf.org or the Alzheimer's Association www.Alz.org