Eileen Marie Collins, Raised in Gloucester City; Longtime Teacher, GCHS Alum and "Hoop Star"
Monday, September 25, 2023
Eileen Marie Collins passed away peacefully at home on September 22, 2023. Born on January 14, 1949, she grew up as the fourth of five Collins children on Monmouth Street in Gloucester City, NJ. She enjoyed a childhood filled with sports activities and playing in the back lot from sun up to sun down.
Ahead of her time as a female athlete, Eileen was an outstanding basketball player in high school and her passion for athletics led her to earn a degree in Health and Physical Education from Glassboro State College. Throughout her career as an educator, she made a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of students. She taught at St. Joseph’s High School (Camden), Paul VI High School and ended her career at her alma mater, Gloucester Catholic High School.
Eileen was an avid collector, and she took great pride in her extensive array of movie memorabilia and Elvis and Disney collectibles. She was a thoughtful and caring sister, aunt and friend who often brightened people’s days with her notes and cards.
Eileen is survived by her brother John J. “Jack” Collins (Betsy), her sister-in-law Edna Collins, and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a great-grandniece. She was predeceased by her parents, John C. and Margaret Collins, her siblings, Joe, Bernard, and Donna, and her niece, Shannon Miles.
Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Thursday, September 28th, from 10 to 11 AM at St. Mary's R.C. Church, 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM in the church. Interment will follow in New St: Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.
In lieu of flowers, Eileen’s family requests donations to Gloucester Catholic High School, 333 Ridgeway St, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Attn: Patrick Murphy. Please write in memo, Eileen M. Collins.
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Eileen M. Collins. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCann Healey Funeral Home, 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, Ph: 856-456-1142