Cindy Collum, 69

CRANSTON, R.I. – Cindy Collum died March 8, 2024, at Kent Regency. She was the beloved wife of Thomas Collum for 28 years. Born in Warwick, a daughter of the late Donald and Betty (Rosenthal) Cohen, she was a lifelong Cranston resident and loved her home state.

Cindy was a real estate property manager until her retirement, but her focus was always on her family.  Especially in her later years, she distinguished herself as a caregiver.  She spent almost three decades supporting Betty after Donald passed away.  With Thomas by her side, Cindy was a constant presence in her mother’s life, ensuring that Betty’s later years were filled with love and companionship. 

She was never shy about expressing her pride and showing her support for her two children, Brian and Laura Matteson.  As they grew their families, she embraced them as well, serving as “Nena” to Brian and his wife Erin’s twin daughters Juliette and Sophia.  She was an excellent “Nanny” to Laura and her partner Radek’s twin children Blake and Serena.

Upon marrying Thomas in 1996, Cindy also got the benefit of joining a second family.  She became a stepmother to Thomas’ three children (Katy, Andy and Scott) and was grandmother to their children, Evianna, Brandan, Maya and Cannon.  Even toward the end of a difficult medical journey, there was nothing that gave Cindy more joy than visiting with her grandkids.

Cindy is also survived by her dear brother Dean Cohen and his family, and was preceded in death by her sister, the late Susan Richter.

Per Cindy’s wishes, there will be no services.  Her family invites you to remember her as they do, a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend who could sometimes be strong-willed, but who always wanted the best for those she loved. 

Contributions in her memory may be made to The Fly Foundation, P.O. Box 2528, Fall River, MA 02722.