1956 - 2007

HAMPDEN - Regina "Gina" E. (Kurki) Collins, 50, Ascended into the Journey of Ever-lasting Life on Monday July 30, 2007 at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Dover-Foxcroft ,Maine on October 23, 1956 she was a daughter of Roger O. and Beverly I. (Grant) Kurki of Sangerville, Maine. She was a resident of the Springfield area for most of her life; and was a 1974 graduate of East Longmeadow High School. Regina was a Supervisor with the Department of Mental Retardation. She was employed at a group home on Allen Street in East Longmeadow. Regina enjoyed painting, and creating ceramics. She will be remembered as a very caring and loving person who touched many lives. Those she leaves behind will forever cherish her memory. They include her devoted husband of 30 years, James M. Collins; adored children, a son, Joshua J. Collins and Courtney W. Collins both at home; cherished brother, Roger A. Kurki of Southwick, cherished sisters, Margaret "Peggy" Webb of Agawam, Bonnie Sladeski of Chicopee, Christine Kurki of Westfield ; many loving nieces and nephews, many loving brothers and sister in law. Gina will also live on in the hearts of her co-workers, and the residents she had the honor to know and love throughout the years. Regina was predeceased by two cherished sisters, Wendy Kurki, U.S. Army in 1985, and Sharon Parrott in 1994. A Memorial Gathering will take place on Saturday (August 4th) from 1:30 to 3:30 PM in the Willow Chapel of the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow. A Memorial Service will follow at 3:30 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hole in the Wall Gang, 555 Long Wharf Drive, Dept. W. , New Haven, Ct. ; Dorothy H. Chambers Stroke Foundation, Box 786, Duluth, Ga. 30096; or to a charity of the donor's intention.