Obituary for PATRICK J. COLLINS
Patrick Collins passed away peacefully on December 18, 2020. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Virginia (Waymel); his five children: John, Kathie (Scanlan), Michael, Susan (Castro), and Mary (Eck); and his 23 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Patrick was born during the Great Depression, which shaped his work ethic for the rest of his life. After serving as a Navy Lt. Commander aboard the USS Waldron, he built a thriving career with Northwestern Mutual spanning over 35 years; donated his time in many capacities on professional boards; and was a champion in fundraising for his favorite charities. But Patrick’s real passions were his family and his faith community. He was a provider and protector of his children and an equal partner with his wife Ginny in all things. He lived his values and faith every day of his professional and private life.
For his children and grandchildren, he hosted annual family vacations to strengthen lifelong bonds of love between siblings and cousins. He treasured and prioritized time playing with children and grandchildren, proving his mantra: "Life is an adventure!"
Patrick suffered from Alzheimer’s in his final years with his usual grace and acceptance; and he always had a delighted smile of recognition for his wife and children. Visits on Zoom became commonplace this year, but in his last days, he received in-person visits from his wife and daughters, a true blessing and gift.
Patrick was truly an exceptional man in every way, and he will be missed and remembered with love and gratitude by his loving family and friends.
A Private Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, December 22nd at St. Paul of the Cross Church, Park Ridge. The burial followed, With Military Honors at the St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine. Funeral arrangements were conducted by FRIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS.
Patrick was born during the Great Depression, which shaped his work ethic for the rest of his life. After serving as a Navy Lt. Commander aboard the USS Waldron, he built a thriving career with Northwestern Mutual spanning over 35 years; donated his time in many capacities on professional boards; and was a champion in fundraising for his favorite charities. But Patrick’s real passions were his family and his faith community. He was a provider and protector of his children and an equal partner with his wife Ginny in all things. He lived his values and faith every day of his professional and private life.
For his children and grandchildren, he hosted annual family vacations to strengthen lifelong bonds of love between siblings and cousins. He treasured and prioritized time playing with children and grandchildren, proving his mantra: "Life is an adventure!"
Patrick suffered from Alzheimer’s in his final years with his usual grace and acceptance; and he always had a delighted smile of recognition for his wife and children. Visits on Zoom became commonplace this year, but in his last days, he received in-person visits from his wife and daughters, a true blessing and gift.
Patrick was truly an exceptional man in every way, and he will be missed and remembered with love and gratitude by his loving family and friends.
A Private Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, December 22nd at St. Paul of the Cross Church, Park Ridge. The burial followed, With Military Honors at the St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine. Funeral arrangements were conducted by FRIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS.