Date of Birth:
Saturday, July 15, 1916
Date of Death:
Monday, April 25, 2016
Age:
99 years old

Rachel M. Collins

Rachel (Byrne) Collins, 99 of Rochester, died peacefully on April 25, 2016, surrounded by her family. She had been a resident of Madonna Meadows for four years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin Collins, her parents, Charlie and Louise Byrne, and her brother, Newell.

Rachel is survived by her son, Charlie, her daughter, Jeanie (John) Landree, two grandchildren, Joe (Maren) Landree, and Caroline (Joe) Geiser, and one great grandchild, Logan Landree. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Betty Byrne.

Rachel Byrne was born July 15, 1916. She grew up in St. Paul, which is a city that she loved all of her life. Rachel attended St. Paul Humboldt High School, where she graduated in 1933. She then graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in History and English. Rachel began teaching at the age of 20 in Alberta, Minn., and later taught in Waseca, Minn.

On October 6, 1945, Rachel Byrne married Irvin J. Collins at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Paul. They first lived in Owatonna and later moved to Rochester. It was in Rochester that Rachel became very involved in volunteer work. Rachel once defined herself as a “practical” Catholic, who believed in and lived a life of charitable works. She was active at St. Francis Catholic Church, where she served twice as General President of the Rosary Society, which was a spiritual and fundraising group. Mrs. Collins volunteered at the Assisi Mother House in the 1970’s providing activities and companionship to elderly Sisters. She was also active in the Vietnamese resettlement projects, as well as spending many years working in the St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary.

Rachel Collins was a person who loved conversation and humor. Her children remembered her many excellent and often humorous conversations throughout their lives. Rachel was known to give very practical advice, and she was an inspiration to her family throughout her long life. Rachel was very much loved by her children and grandchildren and will be greatly missed by them.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by her son, Father Charlie Collins, at St. Pius X Catholic Church at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, April 28, 2016. Visitation will be one hour before the Mass at the Church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Poverello Foundation or to a charity of your choice.