Remembering Social Security Specialist Francine Kollias
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our Social Security Specialist, Francine Kollias. Following an exemplary 42-year career at the Social Security Administration, Francine continued her public service by joining the Middlesex County Retirement System in 2015 as the System’s Social Security Specialist. Francine counseled numerous members on the impact between their MCRS pension and Social Security, and the inner workings of Medicare, while always watching out for the members’ best interests. She was the most popular presenter at our member meetings, a regular contributor to the MCRS newsletter, and a guest speaker at many conferences, including the annual conference of the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems.
At the office, you knew Francine had arrived by the signature click of her heels. Everyone knew they would be greeted with a smile and a kind word. While short in stature, she stood tall among her peers, her family, and friends for how she treated other people– always with kindness and caring. Francine had a larger-than-life personality and an even bigger heart. She made everyone feel better and the world smiled every day she was with us. Thank you, Francine. You will be missed.