On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Valerie Ann Collins, a beloved mother, Nana, great-grandmother, Aunt, and friend passed away at the age of 85. In the last few months she received high-quality and loving care at the Independent Living- Memory Care unit at The Summit Community in Whitefield, NH.

Valerie was born to Bea and Fred Mills on July 15, 1939, in Lancaster, NH. A long-time resident of Groveton, she was preceded in death in 2003 by Robert J. Collins, her husband, who she was married to for 46 years. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Connie Marquis and Betty Barnett, and her grandson Tod J. Collins.

Bob and Valerie had three children together, that they were so proud of. Mark, Patsy, and Keith were the light of her life. She loved her family very much. Her smile showed just how much when they came to visit her.

Valerie graduated from Groveton High School and began working with her mother at Bea's Bakery, where the most famous, delicious honey-dipped donuts were created and loved by all. After her children were all in school, Valerie worked for a short period of time in the Groveton and Guildhall paper mills. She later began working for S&W Market for quite a few years. She then followed her

passion of spending time with children by working at the Groveton Elementary School, as the Food Service Director for the district. When the children saw her they would smile and say hello to "Mrs. Collins the cafeteria lady" as they called her. After her retirement, she spent most of her time reading, baking and enjoying time with family and friends.

Valerie was an avid reader, and loved to bake cookies for her grandchildren. The holidays were very special to her, especially Christmas, when they helped with the cookies. Her other favorite times were spending summers at her Maidstone Lake house with family and friends. Valerie was so proud to get her driver's license at a later age and not having to depend on anyone to chauffer her. She was a very determined and independent woman. As she would tell everyone, "I can do it myself!", until the very end. She was the kindest, most generous and thoughtful, beautiful lady.

Valerie leaves behind her son Mark and Louise Collins, daughter Patsy Buteau, and son Keith and Bianca Collins. She also leaves behind grandchildren: Chad Collins, Kristy Kenison, Nicole Rushing, Ben Collins, Kelley Brown, Jasmin Buteau, Christopher Collins, and Katherine Collins. She also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Mylee, Makalyn, Kade, Burke, Hayes, Collins, Knox and Kooper. In addition, she leaves behind many nieces, nephews and close friends, including her dearest friends, Jimmy and Janet Bennett.

Valerie had a beautiful life and will be missed greatly. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to aid the children's lunch program at Groveton Elementary School: 36 Church St. Groveton, NH 03582, or The Summit-Memory Care Activities Program: 56 Summit Dr. Whitefield, NH 03598.

Calling hour will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the Armstrong-Charron Funeral Home in Groveton. The funeral service will follow at 2:30 pm at the funeral home with Fr. Timothy Brooks of St. Paul's Episcopal Church officiating.

To send the family your condolences via the online guest book or for directions to the service, please visit, www.armstrongcharronfuneralhome.com