Susan M. Collins

It is with great sadness that the Collins Family announces the passing of their sister Susan Mary Collins. Susie fought a valiant 3 year plus battle with cancer, and at age 67, passed away peacefully at home, in the loving presence of her family and her trusted companion, Sparky on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. 

Our Susie was born in Teaneck, New Jersey and joined 2 sisters, Kathleen and Ellen. Soon there was another sister Patricia. Then, much to the horror of the 4 sisters, 2 brothers were born Michael and Richard. One big happy Irish family of Richard and Helen Collins. 

Our Susie started her education at Corpus Christi School, transferred to Euclid School and then attended Franklin Middle School completing her elementary education. She attended Hasbrouck Heights High School and was a proud member of the Class of 1976, the Bicentennial Year. Susie and her friends celebrated their graduation by driving 76 times around the Circle on the Boulevard (it was a simpler time).

Growing up Susie was a member of the Color Guard (twirling rifles) of the Townsmen, practicing behind the old Grand Union, and then a member of the Hasbrouck Heights Marching Band, when they performed in Spain and Washington DC. All her siblings have memories of her twirling whatever she could get her hands on (broom, vacuum extension arm and a rake to name a few) on the backsteps. 

After High School  she was interested in Health Care and continued her education at the Lyons Institute. Then with much encouragement from Mom and Dad she went to William Paterson College and became a struggling college student, her words not ours. She graduated with a BSN in Nursing and earned her cap . Her nursing career spanned 40 plus years, 37 of which was spent as a critical care nurse at Hackensack University Medical Center. She also had stints as an office manager for a Cardiologist, a Patient Care Tech Instructor for Lincoln Tech and finished her career as a Nurse Educator for the Veterans Memorial Home in Paramus. 

Susie was also the medical expert in our family. Taking you to Dr. appointments, explaining in laymen's terms what the Dr. had just told you. She did bandage changes and if surgery was needed Susie's face was the last thing you saw and the first thing you saw when you came out of surgery. Her nieces and nephews knew if they had a cut or scrape Aunt Susie always had the best Band-Aids, any superhero , cartoon character or trending theme that was popular at the time. 

And that was our Susie, a truly caring and loving person, who hosted Holiday dinners, family get togethers, pumpkin picking, and raking leaves into huge piles so the kids could jump in them. Her favorite vacation spots were Vermont and Avon- by- the Sea. 

Susie had a beautiful smile, a laugh that was contagious and such a generous and giving heart. She has left us with enough memories to keep us laughing and crying to the end of our days. 

We love you Susie and may God hold you in the palm of his hand until we meet again. 

Funeral from Costa Memorial Home Boulevard and Central Avenue in Hasbrouck Heights on Wednesday, September 23rd at 9 AM. Funeral Liturgy from Corpus Christi R.C. Church 260 Boulevard in Hasbrouck Heights at 10 AM. Private cremation will follow. Visitation Tuesday, September 22nd from 4 - 8 PM at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Tunnel to Towers or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Susan M. Collins would be greatly appreciated.