1903 – 2003

LEWISTON – Hermance Morrissette Collins, 100, of Lewiston, peacefully passed from this life with her family by her side on Wednesday morning, April 9, at d’Youville Pavilion, where she spent the last five years as a patient in the Alzheimer’s unit.

Born in Fall River, Mass., March 5, 1903, a daughter of Octavie Bibeau and Amedee Morrissette, she spent her childhood years in Lewiston and attended local schools.

For many years, she was a folder at the Bates Mill prior to marrying John E. Collins of Portland.

She was a homemaker who enjoyed sewing, crocheting, baking, playing piano and harmonica and singing. She took tremendous pleasure entertaining family and friends, particularly during holidays where she could demonstrate her creative skills in decorating her home. She was a loving and giving woman who always put the needs of others before her own.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s parish and was “the desert lady” at the St. Joseph’s school lunch program for several years. Serving children was a source of delight for her and she never was tired of being in the company of children.

Survivors include her daughter, Cynthia and her husband, Stephen Gilpatrick and her granddaughter, Hillary Collins-Gilpatrick; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband, sisters Florida, Juliette and Liana and her brothers Donat, Lucien and Lionel.