Deirdre "Dee" Collins

Deirdre “Dee” Collins, 71, of Albany, NY passed away on Thursday, November 28.

Dee was born in the Bronx, NY on October 6, 1953 to John J. Collins and Mary Culver Collins. She embodied the spirit of her hometown—strong, vibrant, and unafraid to make her voice heard.

A lifelong fan of The Beatles, Dee found joy and meaning in their timeless music. Singing along, Dee embraced life with a melody in her heart. Dee will be remembered for her passion, her unshakable Bronx spirit, and her boundless love for those she held dear.

Her greatest pride and joy was her family. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Caitlin Pacchiano and her treasured son-in-law, Jerry Pacchiano. Together, they brought her immense happiness and a deep sense of fulfillment as she was able to watch them get married last year. She also had a special place in her heart for Theo and Georgie, her "grand-puppies," who brought her endless joy with their playful antics and unconditional love. She is also survived by her siblings: Michael Collins and his wife Pam of Michigan, Thomas Collins and his wife Margaret of New Jersey, Jeanne Schuck and her husband Donald of New York, Deborah Gallagher of Massachusetts and Aileen Farago and her husband Stephen of New York. She had been survived by her sister Maureen Collins of Albany who recently passed. They are together. She is also survived by her many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly as if they were her own.

She was predeceased by her parents John J. Collins and Mary Culver Collins. Also, by her sisters Joan Ingram, Mary Schuck Donovan and brother John Collins.

As The Beatles once sang, “All You Need is Love, Love is all you need” Dee gave so much love, and her legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew her.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the ASPCA (aspca.org) or plant trees in her name (arborday.org).

Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Visitation on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy-Schenectady Road, Watervliet, NY 12189.