Peabody - Rita Marie Collins passed away peacefully on April 14. Rita was the fourth child of the late Joseph and Maria (Valente) Bonanno of Methuen, Massachusetts, and the beloved wife of Edward Clark Collins of Peabody, Massachusetts. Rita and Ed were married in 1958 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and shared a devoted partnership for 70 years.

Rita was a proud graduate of Edward F. Searles High School in Methuen, Class of 1952. She later attended Merrimack College, where she met the love of her life, Edward. Their meeting became a favorite family story: although Rita had arrived at a local dance with another date, Ed asked if he could drive her home—despite not having a car—and she said no! They both graduated in 1956, beginning a lifetime together defined by love, laughter, and mutual devotion.

After college, Rita worked as an office manager for the Greater Lawrence Guidance Center before embarking on a distinguished career in real estate. She was a respected Real Estate Agent with Carlson Real Estate in Swampscott, Massachusetts; Town and Country Properties in Pittsford, New York; and Harley E. Rouda in Columbus, Ohio.

Rita was deeply involved in the many communities she and her family called home over the years, including Versailles, Kentucky; Pittsford, New York; Columbus, Ohio; Swampscott, Massachusetts; Naples, Florida; and Stowe, Vermont. Due to Ed's career, Rita managed multiple moves with grace and resilience, becoming his trusted partner in every sense. Wherever she lived, Rita built lasting friendships and was known as a loyal, thoughtful, and devoted friend.

Above all else, Rita fiercely loved her family. Her husband, children, and extended family were the center of her world. She took immense pride in her family's accomplishments and cherished time spent together, whether gathered at home, enjoying shared vacations or celebrating milestones near and far.

Nearly 50 years old she took up golf to share in her husband's passion. She enjoyed golfing at Salem Country Club and the Country Club of Naples and ultimately played some of the world's most renowned courses, including St. Andrews, Ballybunion, and Pebble Beach. She was also an avid bridge player at both clubs. Ed and Rita were also fortunate to be able to travel the world together, a great joy for them both, including to their beloved homelands of Ireland and Italy where they had relatives.

Rita was an active member of St. John the Evangelist Church in Swampscott, where she sang in the choir and generously volunteered her time to fundraising and parish events. A talented painter, she also found great joy in her garden in Stowe, Vermont, which reminded her of her childhood growing up on a farm in Methuen.

Committed to serving others, Rita volunteered at Salem and Naples Community Hospitals and at Options Thrift Store in Naples, which benefits abused women in the community. For over 30 years, she was deeply involved with Catholic Charities North Shore, serving as President of the Board from 2010 to 2015. Graduates and supporters of their alma mater, Merrimack College, Rita and Ed were honored with the distinguished St. Augustine Medal by Merrimack College, honoring individuals who exemplify the values, teachings and Augustinian tradition of the college. The medal was also in recognition of their three scholarships at the college. She also passionately supported the student work-study program at St. Mary's High School in Lynn.

Rita is survived by her devoted husband, Ed; her son, Kevin Collins, and his wife, Robin, of Stowe, Vermont; her daughter, Elizabeth Collins, of New York City; and her nieces, Julie Thibideau and Christine Orellana, and their families. She was predeceased by her sister, Rosina Orellana, and her brothers, Joseph Bonanno Jr. and Cosimo Bonanno.

Rita will be remembered for her deep love of family, her kindness, her strength, and her generous spirit. She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 11AM at St. John the Baptist Church, 17 Chestnut Street, Peabody, MA. Prior to the service, the family would welcome you to visit with them at the church and pay your respects from 10-11AM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to St. Mary's High School in Lynn MA. For guestbook and directions please visit www.ccbfuneral.com.