Mary Clare (Flintoft) Collings – 77, of North Reading, died Monday, November 23, 2020, at Winchester Hospital.
Born in White Plains, NY on September 24, 1943. She was the daughter of the late Gerald V. and Edith M. (O’Shaughnessy) Flintoft. She was a graduate of St. John’s High School in White Plains, NY, she received her B.A. From Manhattanville College, her B.S. from Columbia University and her Master’s Degree from Boston College.
Mary Clare was a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for the Greater Lawrence Mental Health Center. She devoted her life to helping others deal with life’s trials. Although urged by her college professors, to pursue a graduate degree in English, she pursued a career in nursing specializing in counseling those suffering from mental health issues. After retiring, she counseled those suffering through bereavement.
She was a deeply religious person, she led a bereavement support group at St. Theresa’s Church with Father Thomas Powers and taught bible study at St. Augustine’s Church in Andover. She also led a weekly centering prayer group at St. Theresa’s Church.
Mary Clare has been a resident of North Reading for the past 49 years and an active member of St. Theresa’s Church for many years.
Family members include her loving husband, Honorable Robert B. Collings; sons, John Richard Collings and Christopher J.M. Collings; her daughter, Clare Collings Bradley; late brothers, Gerald J. Flintoft and Richard A. Flintoft (who died on November 21, 2020); 6 grandchildren, Christopher, Jr., Luke, Conor, Amelia, Robert and David.
Her Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading on Saturday, November 28 at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be private. interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to: Rosie’s Place, 889 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118 or to Contemplative Outreach, 1560 Union Valley Road, No. 909, West Milford, New Jersey 07480. Arrangements are by Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
My deepest condolences to all the family of Mary Clare! I grew up in White Plains and our families were very close friends. What I especially remember about Mary Clare was her wonderful sense of humor, her great intelligence and her ability to tell a story!!! With much love, Mary Ecclesine Pleasanton
Dear Mary Clare’s family,
My name is Frances and only knew Mary Clare as my partner of the front row at daily Mass at St. Theresa’s. We got to be very friendly and would miss her dearly when she wasn’t at Mass. As we got to know each other there was a bond forming……
There was a gap for awhile and I heard she was ailing. After awhile I would see Robert bringing her into Mass when I would have a chance to talk a bit with Mary.
As I Read her obituary I’m saddened that I really didn’t get to know HER!!
I’m so sorry for your loss at this Holiday time. My parents both left me at Thanksgiving and Christmas a few years ago.
Goodbye to my front row friend…..
Frances Mary Cheney
I don’t know you I’m so sorry to hear about your wife passing she is now resting in peace may god be with you and your family you are all in my prays always remember the good times you had with her