NOREEN A. COLLINS

Noreen Collins (née Gavin), age 83, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of boundless love, fearless joy, and an extraordinary zest for life. Confident in her abilities, quick with a quip, and deeply devoted to those she loved, Noreen lived a life beautifully and fearlessly embraced in every single aspect.

Born on May 19, 1943, Noreen loved to talk about growing up on the west-side of Cleveland, where she was literally and figuratively surrounded by a dense, warm network of friends and family. It was here that she forged profound, lifelong friendships—women who were more like sisters to her—spanning from her days in grade school, high school, and college.

Noreen was a woman of vibrant, diverse talents. A natural athlete, she excelled in baseball, track, skiing, and tennis. But it was on the water where her passions truly came alive. She loved to fish along the coral reefs of her beloved Key West and took great pride in passing that passion down, teaching her family how to fish from rigging all the way to cleaning—though it was a well-known family fact that absolutely no one could de-bone a fillet to her exacting standards.

Sailing became a cornerstone of Noreen's life through her marriage to her beloved husband, Jack Collins. Together, they navigated waters and built a whole new circle of deep, lifelong sailing friends across the country. Noreen did not just participate; she led. From 1981 through 1987, she served as the Executive Secretary of the Ensign Class Association, dedicating herself completely to the organization. A natural puzzle-solver, she made it her personal mission to painstakingly restore and modernize their membership data, tracking down missing boats, owners, and contact details. Much of her meticulous work paved the way to the robust, modernized Ensign registry used today.

At home, Noreen was a creative force—an artist, poet, magnificent chef, and a legendary host. Her hosting of over-the-top Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners became cherished family traditions for half a century. A dangerous Scrabble savant, she loved a good mental challenge and possessed a sharp, witty mind.

Yet, for all her adventures and talents, Noreen’s greatest gift was her profound capacity for human connection. A devout Catholic, she lived her faith by taking the time to make a personal connection with every single person she encountered, in every station of life. Her warmth and genuine interest made everyone feel uniquely seen. This love of connection made her a gifted teacher, whether she was working professionally in the Cleveland Public Schools or sitting at the kitchen table patiently teaching her grandchildren, nieces, and nephew.

Noreen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Collins. For over fifty years, she loved and cherished Jack’s children—Jim, Greg, and Anne—as her very own. Her open heart and devotion were a constant anchor, bringing endless smiles, comfort, and joy to their lives.

Noreen’s legacy of love blossomed beautifully across generations. She was the incredibly proud grandmother to Elizabeth, John, Sean, Blake, Connor, Casey, and Megan.

She is survived by her dear sister, Jo Ann Gavin (John Smyth). She was preceded in death by her cherished sister, Mary Rita Unwin (Bill), and her beloved brother, Jim Gavin (Nyama). She was also the beloved aunt of almost a dozen, a great-aunt of an increasing and blessed number, a cousin of a multitude, and a dear, loyal friend to so many.

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, September 19, St. Luke the Evangelist Church (1212 Bunts Rd.) at 10:00 AM. Entombment All Souls Cemetery. Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of CLEVELAND, 4420 ROCKY RIVER DR. AT PURITAS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 4-7 PM.

In honor of Noreen’s love of sports and her nephew Ian, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charity of your choice, or to Special Olympics Ohio, supporting opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport.