Eloise “Skooky” Gideon Collins, 91, of Barrington, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Tockwotton on the Waterfront in East Providence. She was the beloved wife of Henry V. Collins, Jr., with whom she shared a lifetime of devotion, partnership, and love.

Born in Takoma Park, MD she was the daughter of the late Willard I. and Eloise (Selleck) Gideon. Skooky graduated from William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, earning a BS degree in Mathematics and becoming a proud member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, through which she formed life-long friendships. Following their marriage, Skooky and Harry moved to Rhode Island, making Barrington their home for the past 63 years where they raised their 3 children and an ever-changing menagerie of animals.

Skooky was a faithful member of the Barrington United Methodist Church where she served many years as the church treasurer. She was generous with her time serving as a special advocate at the Rhode Island Family Court, helping guide children through difficult periods in their lives. She was also involved for many years with Volunteers in Action, dedicating her time to individuals and families in need.

A ballet dancer from a young age, Skooky continued to share her love of the arts as a member of the Barrigton Players in the early years of the theater group. She greatly enjoyed time spent as a member of the Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington, and the Moorings Club in Vero Beach, FL., where she enjoyed golf and tennis. She also treasured her time doing needlepoint and playing bridge with a close group of friends.

Besides her husband of 69 years, she is survived by her loving children, Carolyn Collins and her partner Duffy Doiron of Barrington, and Patrick G. Collins and his wife YueLing Chung of Barrington. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to John Gendron and his wife, Lyndsi Gendron, Peri Cianchette, Asa Cianchette, Derrick Rao, Amelia Collins, and Avery Collins, and a cherished great-grandmother to Pepper Gendron. She was predeceased by her daughter, Marilyn Gendron, and her brother Col. Willard S. Gideon, ret., USAF.

Skooky will be remembered for her kindness, her quiet strength, and the love she so freely gave to her family and all who were fortunate to know her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Barrington United Methodist Church, 230 Washington Road, Barrington.
Calling hours and flowers are respectfully omitted.

To honor Skooky’s love for animals, please consider a donation to Volunteer Services for Animals (VSA) of Rhode Island in her name.