Gloucester - Sheila Ann (Heinonen) Collins passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Lahey Hospital Burlington after a brief illness. Sheila was born in Gloucester on July 2, 1956, and was the daughter of the late Walter John and Elizabeth Mary (Rose) Heinonen.

After Gloucester High School, Sheila began her career as a server at Maria's. She then worked at Dexter's Hearthside for many years and spent the last 19 years of her career at The Village Restaurant in Essex. She valued her relationships with her customers and coworkers, and was known for her dedication, hard work, kindness, and selflessness. Sheila enjoyed many gatherings hosted by her sisters. She loved Red Sox games with her son and grandson, music and concerts, Mix 104.1 radio contests, shopping for deals, and she took great pleasure in spending summer days at Good Harbor Beach with her "Beach Bums", a tradition they held for decades. The Beach Bums will miss the "therapy sessions" and laughs that they shared. Good Harbor was a special place where she spent many hot days with her son and grandchildren over the years. Sheila will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

Sheila is survived by her son, Nathan Collins and his wife, Larissa, sister Eileen Erwin and husband Leo, sister Donna Amero, sister-in-law Christine Heinonen; grandchildren, Kyle and Aimee Collins, step-grandchildren Billy and Haley; nephew Brian Erwin and wife, Lauren, niece, Lauren Erwin and wife Sally Miller, niece Rachelle Favazza and husband Steve, great-nephews Jackson and Dillon Erwin and Dante Favazza; and her "Beach Bums" Eileen, Grace and Cookie.

She was predeceased by her parents, brothers, Danny and Artie Heinonen, brother-in-law Gene Amero, and her beloved cat, Gypsy.

Per her wishes, there will be no public services. Her loved ones will commemorate her with a private burial. Contributions in her memory can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105) or Cape Ann Animal Aid (4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930). Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. For online condolences, please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com.