Beverly J. Collins
July 15, 1936 ~ April 1, 2020
Resided in:
Standish, ME
Portland - Beverly J. Collins RN-C, 83 of Standish and Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Nurse, and friend to many, passed away after a tragic and unfair bout of coronavirus, on April 1st, 2020.
Beverly is predeceased by her father and mother Orlando and Ruth V. Pesce formerly of Westbrook. Her husband of 55 years, John F Collins passed in 2003.
She is survived by her brother Steve Pesce and his wife Cathy of Westbrook.
She leaves behind her children, Paul of Cape Elizabeth, John Jr. and his wife Kathryn and their children Elizabeth and Erin, of South Portland, Timothy, his daughters Ashleigh Algiere and her husband Nicholas of Andover Massachusetts and Alyssa of Derry, N.H, Robert and his children Cameron of New Gloucester, Abby and Sean of Cape Elizabeth, and William and his husband Jason Palmer of South Portland.
Beverly was a graduate of Westbrook High School and the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. Nursing was Bev's long-term career choice and worked as a nurse for Mercy Hospital. She worked the third shift for many years, walking to work from her growing family's first apartment on Cushman Street in Portland. She loved being a nurse and left Mercy to work for Dr. Donald McCrann in private practice for many years before retiring in 1998. Even after retiring she continued to volunteer at Maine Medical Center.
Grammie or Nana (and occasionally Nanagram) as she is called by her grandchildren loved them all deeply and as much as anything in her world. She lived for visits from the grand kids.
From April through late October Mom could be found at her beloved slice of heaven on Sebago Lake with her beloved cat, Lily (whose favorite perch was on Bev's morning newspaper as she tried to do the crossword puzzle). This was mom's most precious happy spot. It gave her great joy tending and watering her flower boxes and multiple flower beds and just taking in the view.
She enjoyed cooking and it gave her joy to be making a cake or her awesome chocolate chip cookies or her most desirable and most favored whoopie pies in anticipation of company for holidays, or as bait for the weekend duties. Weekends when family would gather in the hot summer sun as Paul or Chip worked the grill to cook way too much food. She loved to be surrounded by her family and friends, old and new alike and welcomed all as her own.
Over the years family has had the privilege to meet many of Mom's friends, coworkers and acquaintances, and to a person they have expressed and enthused over what a wonderful caring human being Bev was. In fact, it was almost impossible to go out with her and not run into someone she knew. For many years after her retirement she would winter at Horseshoe Cove in Bradenton, FL. Like everywhere she went, she made many friends there. Her infectious smile, quick wit, and sweet personality made it hard to resist being her friend. She loved the golf cart parades, taco Tuesday and the Red Hatters. Bev was also a survivor battling cancer beginning in 1984 with a bout of thyroid cancer to breast cancer both of which she fought and won barely slowing down through her treatments.
She still met with her friends from Westbrook High there for a monthly lunch. She touched so many hearts in such a meaningful way, that she will always be with us.
Lastly an important thank you to the staff at Mercy Hospital ER and ICU who were there with Mom as she lost her battle to this most tragic disease.
Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland. To view Beverly's memorial page or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Beverly's name to the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Fund. Mercy Hospital, PO Box 679 Portland, Maine 04104
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Paul, Chip, Tim, Rob, Billy and the rest of your family we are so very sorry for your loss. Your mom and dad were BJ’s godparents, they were such a big part in our lives growing up. We have so many fond memories but the best were at the lake were everyone could just eat your moms delicious food, laugh, and relax. Please know we are thinking of you all, Love Rachel Murray and BJ White
– Rachel Murray
We still can’t believe you are gone. As shock wears off and reality sets in we sit and remember alllll of the amazing memories we all shared as a family. I always looked up to you and Fred. What a blessing it was to be your niece. You truly left a wonderful foot print on this earth that will never ever be forgotten We love you so very much. Until we meet again. xxoo love Joanna
– Joanna Pesce
I had the pleasure of working with Bev for 13 years at Dr. McCrann’s. She was such a lovely lady and a kind nurse to all the patients. We had many good times at work, as well as, at camp. My condolences to the family – Paul, Tim, Rob, Chip, and Bill. She will always be in my heart as a wonderful friend. Pat Coulombe
– Pat Coulombe
To Bev’s Family, Though I have not seen Bev for many, many years, I do remember her–her smile, her sweet disposition and kind ways and all the kind words you said about her. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May beautiful memories and the loving care of family and friends, give you comfort at this difficult time. Mary Corinne (Dyer) Biehle, Mercy graduate 1957
– M. Corinne (Dyer) Biehle
My condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of a nursing hero. I am a registered nurse who is grieving with you.
– Juliana L’Heureux
So sorry for your loss. Bev was my nurse when I was pregnant with my 2 children and she worked for Dr. McCrann. She was an amazing caring nurse and I will remember when her smile always.
– Patti
Here’s that shot of Beverly’s ear!
– Scott Williams
Collins Family, I want to pass along my sincere condolences to you all! Having grown up around Beverly for a good portion of my life, I can only imagine the grief and sadness you are all feeling. She touched the lives of so many. You are all in my prayers during this most difficult time. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
– Steve Pomelow
Dear Paul, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a devoted mother & nurse. Please know that my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family at this difficult time. With love & prayers, Pam Aliberti
– Pam Aliberti
I am so sorry to learn of Bev’s passing. She helped me through 2 pregnancies when she worked with Dr. McCrann, and I always thought she was 90% of the practice. When I was in the high risk room waiting for delivery of our firstborn, she came to visit me every day and that meant so much to me! One special memory I have was when I was pregnant with our second daughter . I was worried that I would not love her as much as I loved my first. And she laughed and said not to worry and that a mother does not even think of that after the 4th or 5th! Of course, I knew that she had 5 sons! Despite my sadness at Bev’s passing, I am smiling as I picture us sitting at her desk chatting away while she took my vitals, etc. And I am sure your memories will bring smiles to your faces, too. With sympathy, Connie Caron
– Connie Caron
With deepest sympathy and prayers to Bill and the family. Keep the good memories close to your hearts. Take care.
– Lee Harvey
When I was a patient at Dr. McCrann’s office I used to make all my maternity clothes and she and Dr. McCrann used to wait to see what I had made for my appointment. She was always a delight, wonderful sense of humor. I always made a point of taking off my shoes to make me weigh an ounce or two lighter. If I forgot she always reminded me, “Did I remember to take my shoes off.” The picture of her is just how I remember her back in 1980, the year that Dr. McCrann finally had a boy. She was such a wonderful nurse. I will always remember her with great fondness.
– Linda Miller
I was so lucky to have Bev as a nurse throughout all of my 4 pregnancies. Bev’s sound advice, great sense of humor and motherly way was what I needed as a young mother. I am sorry to hear of her untimely passing. She was a guiding star for me when I needed one. My condolences. Jayne Boulos
– Jayne Boulos
My deepest condolences to all the family. I had the privilege of doing Beverly’s hair for many many years . She was like family to me . Great love and admiration was something we shared . I will miss her . Rest In Peace dear lady.
– Susan Janson
Bev was my nurse at Dr McCrann’s office. She helped me through some difficult times when I was trying to start my family. We share the common thread of being Mercy nurses, and she truly personified what a professional nurse should be. Always professional, kind and compassionate, with a just the right amount of humor. I absolutely loved her. Rest In Peace, Bev.
– Diane Vachon
Very sad to read that ‘Bev’ has passed away. As a patient of Dr. McCrann in the 80’s, Bev was always there to provide care, assurance and a smile. She was a constant as my husband and I had our family- three baby girls who are now wonderful young women. Please know that we are keeping your mom and grammy and all of you in our prayers during this difficult time. And, we consider ourselves fortunate to have had Bev in our lives. Rest easy, Bev.
– Linda
Beve was my nurse when I was pregnant with my one and only son, Mark. Mark was born in March 1982 and she was there the next day to check on me.. She was a dear and lovely nurse. She touched my lives. Sorry for your loss.
– Elaine York
There are times in our lives when we cross paths with a person that leaves lasting memories in our hearts and minds. Beverly Collins was one such person to me. She helped and supported me through my birthing labor with the utmost skill , caring and kindness. Beverly always greeted patients with her beautiful smile and caring , welcoming nature. I adored her and am very thankful I had the privilege of having her share in such an important chapter in my life. May she rest with the Angel’s. Julie Quinn
– Julie Quinn
Beverly was at the lake when Tim Snow and I showed up to hang with the Collin family. I had my camera with a big zoom lens and was on the dock taking shots of Snowy on his Hobie flying a hull. Beverly called out to me and asked if the lens let me get close up shots. I turned around, focused on her and said, “Yup!” She turned away just as I snapped the shot. This was before digital cameras so I had to wait to get the film developed. Sure enough, I got a close up…of Beverly’s ear!
– Scott Williams
To Bevs entire family. I never knew Bev. I saw the news of her life and passing while watching MSNBC this morning. Because my daughter is a nurse, it moved me to then read her complete obituary. What a remarkable woman your mother was. Her spirit was palpable just by reading about her life. What a well written obituary. During this time of health crisis, please know so many paused today and thought warmly of Bev. Its deserving nurses, including Bev, who sadly became a victim of this dreadful illness, are given our abundant thanks for all they have done. Wishing you peace.
– Jerome Duval