Sister M. Greta Collins, IHM
Sister M. Greta Collins, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, February 14, 2013, at Geisinger-Community Medical Center in Scranton, PA.
She was born on April 19, 1919, in Scranton, PA, and given the name Lucy Marie. She was the daughter of the late James and Margaret Collins Collins. She entered the IHM Congregation on February 2, 1936, made temporary profession of her vows on August 2, 1939, and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1942.
Sister Greta served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Mary Elementary School in Pittston, PA, from 1939 to 1942; St. Paul Elementary School in Cranston, RI, from 1942 to 1947; St. Ann Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1947 to 1950; St. Mary of Mount Carmel Elementary School in Dunmore, PA, from 1950 to 1954; Cathedral Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1954 to 1968;Consolidated Catholic Schools of Lock Haven in Lock Haven, PA, from 1968 to 1972; Our Lady of Peace Elementary School in Clarks Green, PA, from 1972 to 1973; St. Agnes Elementary School in Baltimore, MD, from 1973 to 1975; Wyoming Area Catholic Elementary School in Exeter, PA, from 1975 to 1986; St. Paul Elementary School in New Bern, NC, from 1986 to 1988; St. Paul Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1988 to 1990; and Archbishop Neale Elementary School in La Plata, MD, from 1990 to 1995.
Sister also served on the staff at the Marian Convent in Scranton, PA, from 1995 to 1996; and as office assistant at Archbishop Neale Elementary School in La Plata, MD, from 1996 to 2007.
From 2007 until the time of her death, Sister Greta served as a prayer minister at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Marywood College.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Thomas, Joseph, and James, and four sisters, Mary Catherine Collins Bird, Margaret Collins Keenan, Catherine Collins Belcore, and Rose Collins. Also preceding Sister Greta in death was Sister M. Clarencia Bird, IHM.
She is survived by a niece, Sister M. Carlita Bird, IHM of Scranton, PA.
The funeral will be Monday, February 18, at 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 2300 Adams Avenue in Scranton. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Sunday, February 17, between 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Interment will follow Mass on Monday at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA.
Memorial contributions may be made to support the retired IHM Sisters c/o the IHM Sisters Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
Reprinted from "In Memoriam" section of Journey, Spring 2013 issue
Sister M. Greta was an IHM by choice and design for seventy-two years. Entering our community at such an early age enabled her to keep her youthful spirit for her entire life.
Those who knew her well remarked how she had and never lost a life-long love for children and the ability to make them know that she truly was interested and cared for them. All their activities were important to her. The children and their parents became life-long friends.
Her family, too, was of great interest to her. She kept in touch with them, showed interest in all they did and in all their accomplishments. We, her nieces and nephews, were brought up to respect “Sis” as we knew her. Her visits were special and not to be missed.
Sister Greta enjoyed life, had many friends, and was always open to new experiences. She was forever ready to travel, and all destinations were interesting to her.
Even in her retirement at Our Lady of Peace Residence, Sister Greta remained true to her friends—meeting with them every day to socialize and reminisce. Always willing to share memories, Sister was a ready companion and a gentle listener.
Sister Greta—a loyal friend, a wonderful sister and aunt—always a faithful IHM.
May she rest in the peace and love of her God.
by Sister M. Carlita Bird, IHM
