Theresa Collins

Theresa "Teada" Collins, 97, of Bethlehem, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Agnes (Serfass) Maioriello. She was married to the late Julius Sakovics, from 1949 until his death on January 25, 1955. Julius was the father of Theresa's first four oldest children. She then went on to marry John "Jack" M. Collins and was married for 47 years until his death on February 21, 2006. Theresa had her three youngest children with Jack, for a total of seven children.

Along with her husband Jack, Theresa was the co-owner and operator of the Old Brewery Tavern for 35 years in Bethlehem, where she would greet and serve customers, some who became lifelong friends. Prior to getting married, she worked as a secretary for her father's roofing company; JJ Morello Roofing.

She was a faithful member of St. Anne's Catholic Church in Bethlehem, where she volunteered her time in the choir. She was also a proud member of the Liberty High School Alumni Choir. In the 1960's and 70's , she was an avid bowler and played in tournaments across the Lehigh Valley. She was a member of St Simon and Jude's Seniors group, and volunteered to make roasted peanuts for Bethany UCC. She made a killer spaghetti sauce and meatballs and other Italian specialties and enjoyed hosting dinners for her family and friends. Theresa had a young and joyful spirit and into her 90's was actively involved in her children's and grandchildren's fundraising events, playing bingo, making Haluski, and volunteering for Bethlehem Chamber committees and events.

Theresa will be lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Michele Townsend, Lynn Cunningham (Don), and Kelly DiGiacinto (Brian Doughtery); three sons, David (Joanne), Ronald, and Sean; brother, Joseph Maioriello; seven grandchildren, Jenna Curtis, Nathan Logue, Joseph Townsend, Samantha Caputo, Jillian Kophazy, Luke DiGiacinto and Ellery Collins; six great grandchildren, AJ, Carter, Layla, Helena, Maximus, and Jaime; and a son-in-law John Brotzman. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cynthia Brotzman, a brother, Ronald Morello and sister, Philomena Hittinger.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 9th from 6-8 PM at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem. A calling hour will be held on Saturday, January 10th, at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 450 Washington Ave., Bethlehem, from 12-1 PM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Theresa's name to St. Luke's Home Health and Hospice.