Florence M. “Flo” (Nardero) Collins, 99, a lifelong resident of Worcester passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

Florence was born in Worcester, one of nine children of Frank and Madalena (Monfreda) Nardero. Raised in Worcester, Flo met and married “the Love of her Life” Frederic J. Collins in 1947. They settled in The Hamilton Street neighborhood of Worcester to raise their family with faith, family, and devotion until Fred left her side in 1989 after 42 years of marriage. Flo continued to guide her family with wisdom and love. Florence worked for the Bradlees department store chain for more than 20 years before retiring. She notably served Bradlees as union steward.

Flo is survived by her four children; Jeffrey Collins of Worcester, Susan Millette of Shrewsbury, Lisa Miles and her husband Jimmy of Sturbridge, Frederic J. Collins and his wife Joan of Worcester; eight grandchildren, Matthew Collins,Christopher, and Sean Scricco, Michael and Nicole Millette, Caitlyn, Courtney and Casey Collins; six great grandchildren, Shawn, Roman, Lucia, Viviana, Valentina and Michael. Many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. In addition to her parents and husband Fred, two brothers, Patrick, and Carlo Nardero, and six sisters, Eleanor “Helen” Dunkerton, Nancy Capone, Elvira Zannotti, Kathryn Elia, Josephine Martucci, and Jennie Abasciano predeceased her.

Flo a vivacious, energetic, women with a huge, heart and smile, guided her family as Matriarch. She was devoted to her family and always placed their wellbeing before hers. Sunday dinners with her whole family were her favorite day of the week. She enjoyed bus trips with her sisters, baking her delicious Italian foods and pastries, dancing, and the casinos. Flo was also an avid walker. If the weather was good, she would walk an average of 5-7 miles a day in her Hamilton Street neighborhoods. She was a member of St Annes Church, the San Vitaliano association, and the Local 1445, United Food and commercial workers union.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Sunday, September 8, from 3 pm to 6 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. The funeral will be held Monday, Sept 9th from the funeral home with a procession to St Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd, Shrewsbury where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am. A burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.