Louise A. (Malagodi) Collins

Louise (LuLu to many) was born in Medford, MA to Italian immigrants Louis and Katherine Malagodi. One of five children, Louise grew up in Magoun Square of Somerville, MA where she graduated Somerville High School in 1944 after which she attended Boston University. Raising her family in Natick, MA, she became well known in her community as the neighborhood seamstress, Cub Scout Den Mother, and an adventurer. She led her family on treks to Alaska, the West Coast, and to almost every state in between. LuLu was noted as a leader first working at the Boston Federal Reserve Bank, an executive at Jordan Marsh Company at Shopper’s World in Framingham, and the President of the Natick Women’s Club. She never said no to anyone asking for help and took pride in what she accomplished. Being of Italian heritage, you could never visit LuLu without sitting down to have a great meal. Family gatherings would always be held at her home, hosting a feast for 50 or more who always looked forward going to Auntie LuLu’s house.

As time progressed, she moved the family to a converted year round summerhouse in Groton, MA. As she did in Natick, LuLu became involved in the community becoming President of the Groton Women’s Club. She always felt that giving back to the community she lived in was very important. After retiring from Jordan Marsh, she worked as the office manager at Collins Automotive and later partnered with her two sons owning Spinner’s Village Package and Deli in Forge Village, MA. LuLu loved learning everyone’s story at Spinner’s as she got to know all of the families who frequented the store. She was never shy in embracing and setting straight the kids and young adults who hung around Forge Village. Her love for family emulated in everything she did as she became known as Mom to every life she touched.

Her passion for gardening, cooking, and adventure can best describe LuLu. She was not shy in telling you what she thought, but did it in a way that you couldn’t help but love her for doing so. If she felt you needed to put on weight, she would cook for you. If she felt you needed something fixed or painted, she would try to do it for you. If she felt you needed support in any way, she tried to be there for you. She was an inspiration to all as she worked hard pushing forward to the very end.

LuLu was the beloved wife of retired Massachusetts State Trooper Alvin B. Collins Sr. who passed away in 1976. She was the loving mother of Patricia J. McCarthy and her husband William of Newton, NH, Alvin B. Collins Jr. and his wife Margaret of Groton, MA, and Robert L. Collins and his wife Ranier of Groton, MA. She is survived by six grandchildren; Richard Harris, Alvin Collins III, Karin Madden, Andrew Collins, Ryan McCarthy, and Debbie Fredette. She leaves nine great-grandchildren; Ricky Harris, Maci Collins, Maxwell Collins, Braden Madden, Camren Madden, Shelby McCarthy, Raymond O’Brien, Brandon O’Brien, Christian O’Brien, Jason Fredette, and Brandon Fredette, along with one great-great-grandchild Estelle Harris. Louise is survived by 3 sister in-laws, Catherine Malagodi, Patricia Malagodi and Natalie DeChristafaro. She is predeceased by sister Norma O’Meara and brothers Richard, Charles and John Malagodi.

Visiting hours will be Sunday, August 26 from 2:00-5:00pm at McGaffigan Funeral Home, 37 Main St. Pepperell, MA. Funeral services will be Monday, August 27 at 10:00am starting at McGaffigan Funeral Home with interment at Groton Cemetery beside her loving husband. For directions and obituaries, visit https://www.mcgaffiganfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations sent in Louise’s name to Somerville High School Class of 1944 Scholarship/Endowment Fund, ℅ Century Bank 400 Mystic Ave Medford, MA 02155