FARMINGTON – Mary Coolidge Collins, 90, of Dixfield, died Wednesday evening, Dec. 9, 2009 at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on Sept. 10, 1919, on Severy Hill in Dixfield, the daughter of, Harry and Alma (Packard) Coolidge. She married Vinton Merrill of Dixfield with whom she had six children. He passed away on Aug. 31, 1958. She remarried to Chester Grover and they adopted a daughter, Jacki. He died on Apr. 12, 1969. On Dec. 19, 1969 in a surprise ceremony at her son, George’s home she married Sherman Collins. They shared a wonderful life until his death on Jan. 11, 1984.
Mary lived near her son, George until the time of her death. She cooked for the Dixfield school system for several years and also worked at Diamond International in West Peru.
Mary had a passion for bowling and dancing. The delight of her life was the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, George Merrill and his wife, Yvonne of Dixfield, Linda Coolidge and her husband, Phillip of East Dixfield, Betty Crosco and her husband, Russell of Kitzmiller, MD, Penny Ford of Wilton and Jacki Grover Walker of Witchita, KS; a brother, Richard Coolidge; sisters Dorothy Dakin and Jean Brann of Wilton; sisters-in-law, Mildred Coolidge of East Dixfield and Doris Merrill of PA; step-children, Guy Collins and his wife, Roberta of East Wilton and Sadie Fitzmaurice and her husband, Francis of King, NC; 17 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; 18 step-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her children, Jacqueline and Wayne Merrill; grandchildren, Beverly Hanson and Missy Crosco; siblings, Clinton, Chester, Lester, Kenneth, John, and Beatrice Hanson.
Funeral services will be held, 1 p.m., Sat., Dec. 12, 2009 at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 136 High St., Wilton with Rev. Dr. Doug Dunlap, officiating. Family and friends are invited to call at the center from 11AM until the time of the service. Spring interment will be at the Riverside Cemetery in Dixfield. Gifts may be given in Mary’s memory to a local food bank. Words of condolence may be sent via e-mail to info@wilesrc.com.
