Janice M. Collins

Janice Marie Collins, 77, of Florence, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 4, 1948, in Brattleboro, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Laurence and Blanche (Davis) Farrar. She had worked for several years as a CNA at Hampshire Care in Leeds before her retirement. Janice was a woman of remarkable strength, courage, and grace. She faced life’s challenges head-on, including bravely battling and beating cancer twice. Through it all, she remained a source of love, inspiration, and constant support for her family and friends. Her life was defined by her deep love for her family, her kindness toward others, and the warmth she brought to every gathering. She found joy in life’s simple moments whether it was spending time with her grandchildren, her children, nieces and nephews or sharing a good laugh with friends. Her unwavering compassion and generous spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Janice was a devoted Catholic and a member of the Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, where her faith was a constant source of guidance and comfort throughout her life. Janice was the beloved wife of Paul Collins of Florence and the devoted mother of Michael Collins, Jean (Collins) Kiely, both of Florence, Jennifer Collins of Enfield, CT, Kevin Collins and his wife Kim (Wentzel) Collins of Easthampton, and Karen Collins of Holyoke. She especially treasured her role as “Nana” to her beloved grandchildren, Erin and her husband Christian, Colleen, Kelly and her fiancé Joe, Kiernan and her husband Blair, Sean, Summer, and Piper and to her great-grandson, Noah. She is also survived by her sister, Sally (Farrar) Stevens, and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Stanley, Robert, Jerry, and her twin brother Roy Farrar, son in law, Donald Kiely, she also was predeceased by her half-siblings Edmund Henry, Irene Henry, Marguerite (Rita) Henry, William Ming, and Amos “Gary” Norton. Janice will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. Calling hours will be Thursday August 14, 2025, from 4-6 PM at the DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME, 120 DAMON RD., NORTHAMPTON. Funeral will be Friday August 15, 2025, from 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM in the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at Annunciation Chapel of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish located at 85 Beacon St., Florence. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janice’s memory to: UNICEF USA, 125 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038. For more information or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.

Janice M. Collins

February 4, 1948 - August 10, 2025