Doreen A. Collins

Doreen A. Collins, age 94 of Bourbonnais, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at her home. She was born on March 1, 1931, in Kankakee, the daughter of Percy and Margaret (Ader) Loiselle. Doreen married James P. Collins on October 9, 1954, at Maternity BVM Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on November 17,1999. Doreen was a graduate of Saint Patrick grade school and high school in Kankakee and the College of Saint Francis in Joliet. Doreen was a lifelong parishioner of Maternity BVM Catholic Church in Bourbonnais. Jim and Doreen were presidents of Bishop McNamara high school parents club for two years and served on the school board for seven years as well as several committees. Doreen managed the Lisieux pastoral center for the local parishes in the Kankakee area for 20 years. She has been a member of Maternity BVM CCW (Council of Catholic Women) for 27 years, a Eucharistic minister for 23 years and she participated in three mission trips to Belize. She was actively involved in many parish committees throughout the years and was the chairman of the outreach committee for 13 years. She was named the Consortium of Catholic Academies (CCA) Woman of the year in 2010. Doreen and Jim shared a love for sailing, a passion Doreen continued after Jim's passing. For 18 years, she spent her summers on her sailboat “R-Joy" and walking the beaches of Lake Michigan. Growing up, Doreen and her beloved 5 gaited mare Janet Blaine, rarely left the ring without a Blue ribbon on their bridle. She loved watching her children and grandchildren compete, many who inherited her passion for horses, traveling to Texas, various Midwest venues. She was her team’s lucky charm, always ready to travel, even around the world. Active until the end, she nurtured her soul with daily mass, followed by caring for her body through swimming at the YMCA, daily walks along the river, and laps around her property. Her greatest joy, however, was time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she adored the babies. Surviving are seven children, Patrick (Laura) Collins of Lincoln, IL, Dan Collins of Bloomington, IL, Jacques (Tracy) Collins of St. Cloud, FL, Paula (Bob) Knudsen of Millsap, TX, Susan (Mike) Pressler of Meridian, TX, Vickie (John) Walter of Mt. Prospect, IL, Mary (Steve) Smith of Bourbonnais; sixteen grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren. Doreen is preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents; and one brother, Richard Loiselle. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Maternity BVM Catholic Church, Bourbonnais. Burial will follow at Maternity BVM Cemetery, Bourbonnais. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Uplifted Care (founded as Hospice of Kankakee County), Bishop McNamara Catholic Schools, or Maternity BVM Catholic Church.

Doreen A. Collins

March 1, 1931 - December 7, 2025