Irene Collins Tucei

Irene Collins Tucei of Biloxi passed away on Wednesday, January 08, 2014. She was 95 years of age. Mrs. Tucei was born January 10, 1918. She was in numerous carnival organizations, including the Krewe of Billikins and Gulf Coast Carnival Association. Mrs. Tucei was a lifelong member of The Nativity BVM Cathedral and spent many years as a member of the Parent Teacher Association for Nativity School. She also was a member of the Biloxi Garden Club. At an early age she was assistant to her father and uncle at their contracting business, Collins Brothers Construction Co. Her full time career was raising four active sons who all became successful businessmen. She will be greatly missed by her sons and their wives, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, George J. Collins Sr. and Irene Marion Collins; her husband, F. Walker Tucei Sr.; her son, F. Walker Tucei Jr.; her granddaughter, Karyn Tucei; daughter-in-law, Sydney J. Tucei; her grandson, Paul Tucei and her brothers, George J. Collins Jr. and Harry J. Collins. Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law; June Tucei (wife of F. Walker Tucei, Jr.) of New Orleans, LA., Bob (Joy) Tucei of Biloxi, MS, Tommy (Rita) Tucei, Sr. of Picayune, MS, and Alan (Renee) Tucei of Westport, CT; and her 13 grandchildren, Meredith Descher (Gregg), Deneen (Kip) O’Connor, Marian (Tim) Clarke, Michelle (Joey) Mannino, Shannon (William) Abraham, Renee Tremmel, Tommy (Toni) Tucei Jr, Kristine (Joe) Barnello, Kim (Kenny) Tresch, Brian Tucei, Linda (Gregory) Robinson, Laura Tucei, and Megan Tucei. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in her memory to the “Nativity B.V. M .Elementary School – Tucei Trust,” c/o The Peoples Bank, P.O. Box 1416, Biloxi, MS. 39533 A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the Life and Loving Memory of Irene Collins Tucei will be held at 12 noon on Friday, January 10, 2014 (her 96th birthday) at the Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral at 870 Howard Avenue in Biloxi. Graveside service will follow at Southern Memorial Park. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com