Mrs. Deborah Brennan Collins

December 2, 1953 - February 17, 2022

On February 17, 2022, Deborah Brennan Collins peacefully passed away from complications associated with young onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Debbie was surrounded by the warmth and love of her husband Kelly and of their children KC, Brennan, Ryan and Betsy, as well as the adoration of friends and family who shared fond memories and a comforting presence in the days prior. Debbie was born in Springfield, MA on December 2, 1953 to Barbara and Edward Brennan, Jr. She was a strong yet kind leader of her siblings Barbara, Karen, EJ, Patti, Jim and Paul all of whom she held close to her heart as her best friends; in her adult years, these bonds flourished as their families grew and she welcomed in-laws and nieces and nephews. Extending her family brought such joy to Debbie, who was always a phone call away and showed up for important big moments and even smaller ones. The O'Donnell family also held a special place in Deb's life: shenanigans on Mandalay Road, celebrations at Fred's Kids Place and Nancy's Nest, and walks on West Dennis Beach with Aunt Nancy were among some of her most cherished moments. Deb was a 1971 graduate of Cathedral High School before attending Newton College of the Sacred Heart (Class of 1975) and Boston College Graduate School of Social Work (Class of 1978). Deb's heart made her a natural: her genuine curiosity in others and her generosity of love allowed her to support people of all ages and backgrounds through professional and volunteer work at Brockton Catholic Charities, Rainbows for All of God’s Children, Pediatric Development Center, HospiceCare in the Berkshires, as well as companionship to local individuals at the ends of their lives. Debbie married Kelly Collins on May 31, 1980. Immediately, she grew close with the Collins family, enjoying Sunday dinners with her mother- and father-in-law El and Bill, as well as countless family gatherings at her home with her sisters- and brothers-in-laws, PJ (Kevin) Taylor, Chrissy (Paul) Avery, Tim (Christine) Collins and Michael Collins. Her life's work was truly her children, whom she loved without bounds. She never missed a soccer game or ski race, and she found reason to celebrate each of her kid's successes; equally important, she invested the hard work of guiding them to be the best version of themselves with her compassion and honesty. Deb was preceded in death by her mother Barbara and father Edward. She is survived by her husband W. Kelly and their children KC, Brennan (Emily), Ryan (Brittany) and Betsy (Casey Barber), as well as four grandchildren Abigail, Brennan Jr., Oliver and James; she leaves behind her siblings and their spouses Barbara (Bob) MacLaverty, Karen (Tom) Byrne, EJ (Carol) Brennan, Patti Brennan, Jim (Marilu) Brennan and Paul Brennan, her step-mother Judy Brennan, as well as so many other beloved friends and family. Never too busy to stop and say "hello," Deb's presence always put others at ease. She loved music: Bruce Springsteen, the Beach Boys, and Adele were among her favorites. Above all, she loved being with others, sharing in the simple joys of life, offering her soft smile and kind laugh that emerged so easily. Funeral Notice: Visitation will be held at Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home at 220 East Street in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm and A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 1pm at Sacred Heart Church, 191 Elm Street Pittsfield MA 01201, celebrated by the Rev. Steven G. Montesanti, Pastor. For those unable to attend, the service will be uploaded and available to view on this site shortly after. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations in Debbie’s honor may be made to the Pediatric Development Center or HospiceCare in the Berkshires, in care of the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home.