Susan Albert Collins Obituary – Susan Albert Collins’ family announces her death on March 19, 2023, with tremendous sadness. Susan was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 30, 1943 to Marjorie (Julius) and Robert Smith Sr. She attended the University of Illinois and began working as a social worker immediately after graduation. Susan, eager to tour the world, embarked on a new career as a flight attendant, first for Pan Am and then for Delta. She cherished the companionship of her cabin workers and looked forward to her flights to London, one of her favourite destinations. Prior to retiring after 9/11, Susan frequently travelled with her mother, taking her on fascinating excursions in Europe and the Middle East. Susan Albert Interiors, an interior decorating firm, was founded when she was not travelling the world. She had a good sense of design and a talent for designing lovely environments.
Susan Collins married John “Fred” Collins in Greenwich, Connecticut in 1991. They spent nearly 32 years traveling, hiking, and boating in Long Island Sound with friends and family (on both land and water!). Susan was an ardent gardener who knew everything there was to know about plants and how to care for them. When she wasn’t tending to her lovely gardens, she might be found in the kitchen, especially during the holidays, cooking up a storm. Susan spent endless hours at the “dog beach” with her beloved Black Labs, Casey and Tess, over the years. Tess, who had had a long and pampered life, died just days before Susan.
Susan had numerous acquaintances, from their Dolphin Cove neighbourhood to the farm in Pawling, New York, and on the deck in Key West, Florida (and everywhere in between!). She enjoyed giving back to the community and was a member of the Dolphin Cove Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive committee for many years, which benefited Homes for the Brave, Kids in Crisis, Laurel House, and Inspirica. Susan is survived by her loving husband Fred, her stepchildren, John “Fred” Collins and his fiancée Megan Pikaard of Brooklyn, NY, Melissa “Missy” Rice and her husband Gregory of New York, NY, and Amanda “Mandy” Collins-Baine and her husband Radley of Old Greenwich, CT.
Annabel, Crawford, Emily, Olivia, and Ava are her five stepgrandchildren, who dubbed her “Susu.” Her brother Robert Smith Jr. and his wife Melody of Arlington Heights, Illinois, survive her, as do her nephews Jordan Smith and his wife Taleah and Christopher Smith and his wife Kelly, as well as six grand nephews and nieces – Conner, Maverick, Bram, Camryn, Elle, and Kinsley.
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Gathering on Friday, March 24th from 5:00 -8:00 PM and a Memorial Service on Saturday, March 25th at 10:00 AM at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT. The family begs that donations be sent to Homes for the Brave, an organisation that offers homes and services to homeless veterans, in place of flowers. 655 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604; (203) 338-0669.