Collins, Mary Ellen a lifelong resident of Milton, Ma., passed away on February 8, 2016 at the age of 85. Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late Julia B. and Desmond M. Collins and the sister of Julia C. Walsh of Sherborn, Ma. Mary Ellen was a beloved cousin and aunt with many nieces and nephews who will sincerely miss her.

Mary Ellen was a graduate of Milton High School, Framingham University, and completed graduate studies in Nutrition Education at Tufts University. Mary Ellen received the Winston Churchill Fellowship for study at the University of London and a World Health Fellowship in New Zealand and Thailand. She worked on co-operative projects with the federal government’s Department of Nutrition and Harvard School of Public Health, as well as serving as scientific liaison for the White House Council on Food, Nutrition and Health. Beginning in 1953 Mary Ellen served on the dietetic staff of the Beth Israel and The Boston Lying-in Hospitals and in 1958 began working at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In 1975 Mary Ellen was promoted to Director of Dietetics and Nutrition and Director of Dietetic Internships at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital until her retirement in 1998. Mary Ellen’s greatest professional success and joy was her relationships with the Dietetic Interns and following their successes throughout their careers. Mary Ellen served on the Board of Directors at the Milton Hospital for 25 years and was an active participant in the Milton political scene. Mary Ellen was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s of the Hills Parish in Milton and celebrated 75 years with the Parish on the Parish’s 75^th anniversary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Feb. 15^th at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s of the Hills Parish, 29 St. Mary’s Rd. Milton. Visiting hours will be at the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Ave. East Milton Square, Monday Feb 15, 9:30-10:30 AM. Interment at Milton Cemetery 9:00 AM Tuesday Feb. 16. If desired, contributions may be made in Mary Ellen’s memory to the charity of your choice.