Age 80, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Bernadette was born in Binghamton NY, daughter of Thomas and Josephine (Sullivan) McCann. She was also predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law Thomas and Lynne McCann. Bernadette is survived by her husband of 58 years Daniel P. Collins; daughter, Keary L. Miller of Pine City with her children, Brendan Collins, Reece Miller (Allison King) and Lauren Miller; son and daughter-in-law, P. Michael and Jodi Collins of Elmira with their sons, Reilly (Emily) and Nolan Collins; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, James R. and Linda Collins, John Sullivan all of Elmira; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bernadette was a 1963 graduate of Notre Dame High School. She started her working career with New York Telephone and, after working through the many changes in ownership, retired from Verizon as a supervisor with 29 years of phone company experience. Bernadette was a long-time communicant of St. Mary's Church. She enjoyed playing the card game bridge. She and Dan enjoyed the many winters they were able to spend in Florida after their retirements. She truly cherished spending time with family and friends.

Visitation for Bernadette will take place at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held there on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 9:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 224 Franklin St., Elmira. A live stream of the Mass will be available at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish Livestream at this link, https://www.youtube.com/@ElmiraCatholic/streams click the "Live" tab, and then Bernadette's name. Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery. 

Those wishing may remember Bernadette with a donation to Notre Dame High School, 1400 Maple Avenue, Elmira NY 14904. https://www.notredamehighschool.com/ or the Elmira Animal Shelter, 842 Linden Place, Elmira NY 14901. http://www.cityofelmira.netshelter/

The Collins family would like to extend special thanks to the kind, loving and loyal caregivers, Bonny, Sam, Porky and Kathy. With their help, Bernadette was able to spend her final days in the comfort of her own home.