Mary A. Collins

Mary Angelina Sorbello Collins was born on Wednesday, November 29th, 1933, to Rosario and Josephine Sorbello at their home in West Deptford, New Jersey. On that autumn day, the high was 60°F and the low 40°F. It was a time of great change—Franklin D. Roosevelt had just become president, the SEC was created, FM radio was invented, and the first drive-in movie theater opened, fittingly, in New Jersey. According to the Chinese zodiac, she was born in the Year of the Rooster. Which is a fitting sign for a farm girl.

Mary passed away at 4:18pm on Friday April 25, 2025. Her daughter MaryAnn and Her son John were with her when she peacefully crossed over to begin her next chapter. 

Mary was the youngest of six children—Frances, Benny, Joseph, Fred, and Sammy. She grew up as a proud farm girl, working alongside her brother Freddy at the Sorbello farm market. It was there that fate stepped in: a young Navy man named John E. Collins Sr., recently returned home, came to the market, met Mary, and fell in love. They married on January 9th, 1960.

Together, they built a beautiful life. They welcomed their daughter, Mary Ann Collins Fusco, on November 4th, 1961, and their son, John E. Collins Jr., on October 26th, 1965. The family lived in West Deptford for many years before Mary and John eventually moved to Brightview Woodbury Lake.

So, who was Mary?

She was a devoted friend, a loving sister, a faithful wife, and a good mother. She had a deep love for music, especially the songs of Jerry Vale. In her younger years, she loved attending dances—always chaperoned, of course, by her brother Freddy. She cherished her time at the farm market, greeting customers and sharing stories of daily life.

Mary was a devout Catholic who attended church regularly. She had a deep reverence for the Blessed Mother, whose name she shared and whose grace she tried to emulate throughout her life.

She is survived by her Daughter MaryAnn Fusco and Her husband James Fusco Jr., Her Son John E Collins Jr. and his fiancé Flor Alba Arboleda. Also survived by her Grandchildren Francesca (Collins) Pickard and her husband Doug Pickard and John E Collins 3rd. 

Today, we say goodbye to Mary as she is reunited with her beloved family—her mother and the father she never had the chance to know, as he passed when she was just two months old. She is now with her husband John, her siblings, and all those who went before her.

Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness lives on in the memories of all who got to know her.

We love you Mom may you rest in peace.

FAREWELL CEREMONY:

Friends and Family are invited to attend Mary's visitation on Friday May 2, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12 noon at McGuinness Funeral Home (34 Hunter St., Woodbury, NJ). Funeral Mass will take place at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church (64 Copper St., Woodbury, NJ) promptly at 1:00 pm with committal services to take place at St. Joseph's Cemetery (Swedesboro, NJ).