Alice Mary Collins
Alice M. Collins nee Halpin.
Beloved wife of the late John Collins for 54 years.
Loving mother of John (Angel) Collins, Michael (Christine) Collins, William (Joanne) Collins, Daniel (Kristin) Collins, & Amy (Terry) Suessen.
A dear mother in law of the late Nancy Niego Collins
Cherished grandmother of Brandon O.L.P.D. (Catherine) Collins, LCPL Jonathan Collins, USMC (KIA Iraq 08/08/2004, Lauren (James), Devon (Ben), Mikey, Courtney, Kayla, Moira, Maeve, Cian, Brooke (Ben), Madison, Michael, Danny, Aidan, Claire, Katie, Liam, Finnegan & Keegan.
Proud great grandmother of Bryden, London, Remi, Nora, Daisy, June, Theo, Willow & Blaire.
Sister of JoAnn (the late Bob) Mitchell, & the late Kathrine Halpin, & CPL William Halpin, USMC Vietnam (KIA 10/18/1966).
Fond aunt, cousin & friend of many.
Funeral Mass Friday, April 11th 10:00 am at St. Gerald Church, 9310 S. 55th Ct. in Oak Lawn.
Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Visitation Thursday, April 10th at Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th St in Oak Lawn from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
Alice Mary (Halpin) Collins, age 85, of Oak Lawn, IL, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025.
Born on January 20, 1940, in Chicago, IL, Alice grew up in the Visitation Parish neighborhood, where her lifelong sense of humor, love, and spirit of adventure began to take shape. She lived a rich and joyful life, marked by her deep faith, boundless energy, and love for her growing family.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, John J. Collins, a proud member of Pipefitters Local 519. Together, they raised five children and shared a vibrant life filled with laughter, family traditions, and heartfelt service to others. Alice was the proud grandmother of 20 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, all of whom were the joy of her life.
Alice wore many hats over the years, each with grace and a touch of mischief. Alongside her husband and friends, she hosted backyard barbecues for young Navy and Marine servicemen from Great Lakes Naval Station Hospital, offering them a taste of home and a lot of love.
Professionally, she spent many years as a waitress at Louise’s on the southwest side of Chicago. Her warmth, quick wit, and sincere kindness made her a favorite among customers and co-workers alike. But that was just one chapter in her story.
Alice was a devoted member of St. Gerald Parish for over 50 years. She gave generously of her time and talents—helping organize variety shows, serving as a Cub Scout and Brownie leader, joining the Mothers’ Club and the Altar & Rosary Society, and playing an instrumental role in the creation of the LCpl. Jonathan W. Collins Activity Center, named in honor of her grandson.
Her love for children extended into her time as a preschool teacher at St. Gerald, where her creativity and nurturing nature left a lasting impression on generations of young lives.
Perhaps most memorably, Alice was a gifted writer and storyteller. She authored several books, penned beloved columns like “Cookies-n-Chaos” and “Love n’ Leftovers”, and had essays featured in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Her columns, infused with family stories, humor, and insight, became staples on Chicago’s South Side. As a speaker, she entertained thousands, from trade associations to church groups, bringing her Irish charm and life experiences to the stage, always finding a way to connect through laughter, faith, and love.
Each day, Alice began with her novena and a cup of tea, always thinking of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She remembered every birthday, every anniversary, and every milestone with intention and joy. Her memory was matched only by her deep well of love.
Alice will be remembered for her sharp wit, compassionate heart, fierce loyalty, and unshakable faith. She lives on in the lives she touched, the stories she told, and the legacy she leaves behind; a life beautifully lived, and a family forever grateful.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated.