Patricia, fondly known as Tricia to her family and friends, was born in Enfield, NC on February 26, 1923, one of seven daughters born to John Irwin Ritch and Madeline Phelan Ritch. Tricia and her family moved back to Charlotte when she was four, and she spent the remainder of her life there. She was a 1941 graduate of Central High School. Tricia married her “buddy”, Clarence Malcolm (Mal) Collins Jr. in 1945, and they were happily married for 46 years until his passing in 1991.
Tricia was a devout Catholic with strong ties to St. Peter’s and St. Patrick’s Parishes and, lastly, to St. Gabriel’s Parish, where she remained an active member and strong supporter of the church’s functions. Tricia had an active circle of social friends, gathering often for bridge and companionship. She had a soft heart for the afflicted and less fortunate. Tricia was known for her generous spirit and sharp mind. She will always be remembered by her children and grandchildren for her fantastic cooking skills. They always looked forward to Sunday dinners of roast beef with all the trimmings, especially her homemade bread and chess pie.
Tricia is survived by three of her four children: Clarence (Chuck) Malcolm Collins III (Pat) of Jacksonville, NC, Steve Collins (Trish) of Raleigh, NC, and Chris Collins of Charlotte.
She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Lindsay Collins Shaw (Matt) of Raleigh, Laura Collins Inman (Justin) of Ash, Page Collins Sigband (D.J.) of Orange, CA, Kate Collins Friedrick (Matt) of Raleigh, and Casey and Claire Collins of Charlotte. Also surviving are six great-grandchildren: Dylan and McKenna Inman, Bella and Archer Friedrick, and Sam and Sylvie Shaw; as well as one sister, Joan Nixon of Hampton, VA and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tricia was predeceased by her loving daughter, Anne Phelan Collins, and her sisters, Adele Jones, Madeline Cassels, Annis Lucas, Virginia Austin and Harriette Merrill.
The family will receive friends at Harry & Bryant from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26th. A Prayer Service will be held in the Chapel of St. Gabriel Catholic Church on Thursday, February 27th at 11:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow in Evergreen Cemetery.
The family wishes to give their wholehearted thanks to Jen Arnold who was Tricia’s steadfast friend and caregiver for the past year.
Memorials may be made to St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211, or Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, 1420 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204.
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