Kathryn Peter Collins, a native of Worcester and a longtime resident of Oak Bluffs, died on Friday, Sept. 15 at home, leaving behind many friends and family who will miss her forever. She was 75.

She was born on Dec. 4, 1947 in Worcester to Peter and Helen Gusha Valentzas. Peter predeceased her in 2012 and Helen, who is 103, currently resides at Windemere in Oak Bluffs.

She was known as Kathy by her large, extended, mainly Greek-American family. She was lucky to grow up summering in Oak Bluffs on Pennacook avenue. You could find her either at the Near Beach (the Oak Bluffs town beach) or the Faraway Beach (State Beach), just about every day.

She was known as Kate to her friends and maintained wonderful friendships with people from “the old days,” notably those she worked with at the New England Electric System in Westboro during the 1960s, St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester in the 1980s and, more recently, as a licensed respiratory therapist at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, beginning in 1992.

She was known as Mom to her daughter Eleni Roriz, also of Oak Bluffs. Eleni was lucky enough to see her most days, whether it was for errands to the post office or Cronig’s, or something fun such as a Land Bank trail walk or simply going out to lunch. Regardless of the activity, she always made things more fun for everyone, and her company will be greatly missed.

She especially loved being a mother in law and her bond with Eleni’s husband, Johnny Roriz, was ever so strong. Whether they were enjoying a glass of wine, talking politics or giving constructive criticism to those around them, their banter will be missed.

Perhaps the title she was most fond of was Yia Yia. She was happiest when she was with her grandchildren, John Peter and Eva Eden. They kept her busy, vibrant and young. You could find Yia Yia at the library or The Game Room with Johnny, strolling Eva around the Tabernacle, or in the back yard playing with both. Her yard was a place of joy and happiness. She loved to feed the birds, mow the lawn and keep the grounds ever-so-tidy.

She also loved to cook and bake, which she was beginning to pass on to Johnny. Sleepovers or afternoons at Yia Yia’s often resulted in a few dozen thumb cookies or scones.

She was a lover of fun, music — especially Elton John — and impromptu gatherings at her house. She was a born entertainer and could put together an array of snacks in an instant. She loved being with family and friends. If she wasn’t with Eleni and her family, you could probably find her next door, hanging out with her brother George Valentzas, who she loved dearly. She would often deliver him dinner or just go sit in the yard and have a beer with him, listen to music and talk about the old days.

Her other closest pal was her cousin Paul Thoutsis, also of Oak Bluffs. When they got together, it was the perfect mix of fun and trouble. Their connection was strong and their love of a good time contagious, resulting in many laughs and memories.

She was passionate about traveling abroad and regarded herself fortunate enough to have visited Greece, Italy, England and Brazil, to name a few of her favorites. Her trips to Tortola with friends from the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital were also at the top of her list.

But she really was happiest at home, waving to friends who drove by, filling the birdbaths and reading in her porch room. Her absence leaves a huge void in those who loved her.

Please join her family for a celebration of life this Sunday, Sept. 24, from 12 to 3 p.m. at Sailing Camp Park in Oak Bluffs.