Obituary of Virginia M. Collen

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Virginia M. Collen, 98, passed away on April 30, 2018 at the Wesley Health Care Community in Saratoga Springs, New York. Born and raised in Albany, Virginia was a member of St. Theresa’s Parish on New Scotland Avenue and later an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar.  Virginia was graduated from Vincentian Institute in 1938. During World War II she moved to Elsmere to reside with her late parents Charles R. and Catherine Joyce, Sr. while her husband was serving overseas.  Upon his return the couple moved to Delmar, NY to raise a family and she resided there until moving to the Avila Independent Living Retirement Community and then the Atria Community in Guilderland.  Virginia loved caring for her home on Elsmere Avenue, playing golf and socializing at Normanside Country Club, where she was a lifelong member, as well as afternoons of bridge with her many close friends.   Virginia is pre-deceased by husbands, Clayton E. Smith and John N. Collen Jr; she is also survived by her family including five grandchildren numerous great grandchildren and nieces and nephews

Virginia’s family would like to thank the Atria Community for its patience and assistance and in particular the Life Guidance at Atria, Director and Staff for its gentle care and kindness.  Thank you also to the Wesley Health Care Community for their help and support.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 10 a.m. with burial to follow at Bethlehem Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers donations to Atria Guilderland at 300 Mill Rose Court, Slingerlands, NY or the Wesley Health Care Community in Saratoga would always be appreciated.