Patricia E. Collins

Patricia E. (Heroux) Collins, 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Buffalo Crossing Healthcare & Rehabilitation. She was the wife of the late Robert F. Collins, Jr. who died October 1, 2024.

She was born in Central Falls, Rhode Island, and raised in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, the beloved daughter of the late George and Julia (Johnson) Heroux.

Pat worked for many years at Attleboro Trust Company before continuing her career as a paralegal for GTE Sylvania in the Patent Office. Alongside her late husband, Bob, she built and operated numerous businesses throughout their lives, including real estate investments, financial services, property management, a community newspaper, a cable television service, and a restaurant. Their shared entrepreneurial spirit allowed them to retire early and relocate to Citrus Hills, Florida. True to form, retirement for Pat—like Bob—meant staying busy and involved.

Pat was deeply engaged in the communities in which she lived, generously giving her time as a volunteer with organizations such as the Jaycees, Junior Achievement, and the Miss Massachusetts Pageant, among others. She was strong-willed, opinionated, and unapologetically did things her own way. At the same time, she had a softer side—caring, compassionate, and giving to those she loved.

Pat had a passion for travel and was fortunate to see much of the world with Bob, from Alaskan cruises to memorable trips to Ireland and beyond. She was also a lifelong lover of cats and dogs and had many throughout her life, including Maggie, Bijoux and Briea, though her favorite will always be remembered as Sheba.

She is survived by her two daughters, Maureen Figuerado and her husband David of The Villages, Florida, and Karen Ford and her husband Bob of Spring Hill, Florida. She was predeceased by her son, Kevin Freitas of Millington, Tennessee.

Pat also leaves behind six stepchildren: Robert F. Collins III and his wife Nellia of Fall River, Massachusetts; Dianne M. Collins-Lambert of Bellingham, Massachusetts; Patricia A. Couturier-Gurrieri of Mesa, Arizona; Richard D. Collins of Marlborough, Massachusetts; T. Bernadette Holden and her husband Glenn of Mesa, Arizona; and Paul J. Collins and his wife Heidi of North Grafton, Massachusetts.

She was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Heinz Funeral Home, 2507 Highway 44 West, Inverness, Florida. Burial will follow at Fero Memorial Gardens, Beverly Hills, Florida. In lieu of flowers donations in Pat’s memory may be made to aspca.org.