Lauren Jean Collins

Lauren Jean (Gurney) Collins, 63, of East Freetown, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Rhode Island Hospital surrounded by her family. Loving wife to Christopher J. Collins, Lauren was born, raised, and lived in Freetown for her entire life. She was the daughter of the late Donald F. Gurney and Miriam S. Gurney.

Recently retired in 2020, for the past 29 years she worked as a Customer Care Representee for both Comcast and Ocean Spray Cranberries. Additionally, since her early 20’s, she worked as a part-time poll worker for the Town of Freetown, a duty and responsibility she learned from both her parents.

Lauren was extremely passionate and concerned about the environmental issues that plague most small rural communities. She regularly attended the Town’s conservation meetings as a voice for those that cannot talk. It was her mission to ensure that every animal that ventured into her yard from the injured turkey she named Tina, to the deer, the birds and all the other woodland creatures were all safe from harm’s way.

She was a lifelong member of the East Freetown Congregational Christian Church, where she held various rolls on the churches mission committee, Board of Christian education, and as a Sunday School teacher. When she found the time to do so, she was also an avid gardener and regularly supported the local Grange. She enjoyed all things that brought beauty to this world. When it was time to get away, she and Chris enjoyed spending time in southern Maine, to enjoy the beauty of the ocean.

Her most important contribution though was to her family. Family meant everything to Lauren. She worked tirelessly ensuring that everyone was lovingly cared for. She enjoyed family gatherings and holidays. She planned out every detail to ensure everyone’s needs were met before she sat down. Grandmother to her two beautiful Grandchildren, going to Mimi’s house meant that something fun was about to happen.

Lauren is survived by her husband, Chris, her two sons Craig D. Collins of East Freetown, Justin M. Collins and his wife Stephanie of Berkley, and grandchildren Olivia and Lincoln; Her brother Donald F. Gurney and his wife JoAnn Gurney of East Freetown.

Contributions' in Lauren's honor may be made to:The Upper Room Fund at www.efccc.net, Lighthouse Animal Shelter at www.lighthouseanimalshelter.org, The Joe Niekro Foundation for Brain Aneurysm at www.joeniekrofoundation.com or National Wildlife Federation at www.NWF.org

Lauren's visitation will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 4:00 to 8:00PM in the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd. New Bedford, MA 02745 with a memorial service at 5:00PM. Her memorial service will also be held Sunday, March 27, 2022 at 2:00PM in the East Freetown Congregational Church, 4 Washburn Road, East Freetown, MA 02717. To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhome.com