Yolanda “Yola” A. Collins, 98, of Milford passed away peacefully on May 18, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was born on February 9, 1924 in Milford, Massachusetts, and was the beloved wife of the late Raymond F. Collins “Ripper” who died July 7, 1979. She was the daughter of late Leonardo DeCapua and Felicia Maria (Coscia) DeCapua, and one of 9 children. Yola is predeceased by all of her siblings including Mary (DeCapua) Amantea, Antoinette (DeCapua) Grillo, Lucy (DeCapua) Alphonse, Mafalda (DeCapua) Chiccarelli, Jeanette (DeCapua) Verrier, Dominic DeCapua, Atty Pacifico DeCapua, and Ann Marie (DeCapua) Kane. She is survived by two of her three loving daughters, Mary Jean (Collins) Rodrick and her husband Laurence of Marion, MA, Barbara (Collins) Dimitri of Milford, MA, as well as her late daughter Patricia (Collins) Sinclair and husband Frank “Chip” Sinclair of Natick, MA. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Lauren (Rodrick) Giardini and her husband Vincent of St. Augustine, FL, Timothy Rodrick of Blackstone, MA, Julie Rodrick of Los Angeles, CA, Janai Dimitri of Seattle, WA, Eric Sinclair and his wife Jen of Maynard, MA, Chad Sinclair and his wife Allyson of Millbury, MA, and Greg Sinclair and his wife Elise of Grafton, MA. She also leaves behind 15 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, many extended family members, including nieces and nephews, as well as many close friends who loved her dearly.
Yola was born in Milford and graduated from Milford High School class of 1942. She worked at Fenwal Corporation in Ashland for many years until her retirement. She was an active member of the Milford senior center where she enjoyed many hobbies such as crocheting, bocce, bowling, bingo, and trips to Foxwoods. Yola enjoyed watching Ripper play football and she was always the biggest Patriots and Red Sox fan in the room. Yola loved to sing and dance and was known as the life of the party, everybody loved Ma.
Her funeral service will be held Monday, May 23, 2022 at 9 A.M from Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home, 46 Water Street, Milford, MA, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. in Sacred Heart Church, 7 East Main Street, Milford, MA. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Pond Street, Natick, MA.
Calling hours will be held Sunday from 2 to 4 P.M