Elizabeth Ann Collins

    COLLINS, Elizabeth Ann, 73, CARIBOU, September 14, 2010. Arrangements are in the care of Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.

    CARIBOU – Elizabeth Ann “Lynne” Collins, 73, a proud British subject until her death, passed away September 14th at her home surrounded by her family. She was born February 25th, 1937, in Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire, England, daughter of Wilfrid and Nancy (Wood) Brown. She was educated at St. Francis Catholic College for Girls from 1950 to 1953 in Letchfield, Hartfordshire, England and upon graduation was employed in the public relations office of the Leicester Cooperative Society in Leicester, England until 1961. Later that year, she left her native country to marry her husband Dale, in Key West Florida, whom she met while on holiday at Southsea in 1959, while he was a sailor during NATO exercises in British waters aboard the U.S.S. Claude Jones. After relocating to Caribou and raising her own family, Elizabeth worked as a loving childcare provider for many years. Later, she joined the Aroostook County Deputy Sheriff’s Department and worked with her husband as a sheriff’s aide. She enjoyed time spent with her family, especially at their St. Froid Lake camp and visiting family and friends in England. She was an avid gardener and member of the Caribou Garden Club. Strangers and friends would come from near and far to admire her award winning gardens and ask her for her advice. The children take great comfort in knowing that her perennials are flourishing in countless gardens in the state of Maine. Elizabeth was also an accomplished pastry chef and enjoyed sharing her beautiful and delicious desserts with friends and family. She was an artist whose drawings were featured at an art exhibition at U.M.P.I., a bread dough art designer who displayed her creations at local craft fairs, a member of the Cary Auxiliary and a member and past president of the Henry B. Pratt Jr. American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Elizabeth contributed generously to the City of Caribou. Her garden and pastry skills raised thousands of dollars for local charities and fundraisers. Recipients of her generosity included Half Way Home for Pets, Presque Isle Animal Shelter, Caribou High School’s band room, Caribou Wellness Center, Caribou Veterans’ Home and the future Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum. She also donated her time towards various children’s groups and activities.
    In addition to her parents, Elizabeth was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Tony and Rita Brown of England. She is survived by her husband Dale of Caribou; two daughters, Sharon Ellis of Caribou and her children Caitlin and Brandon; Annette Newberry and her husband William of Standish and their children Elizabeth and Jackson; one son, Anthony and his wife Lisa of Woodland and their children Brandon, Bradley and Emily; two brothers, Frank Brown and his wife Barbara, Martin Brown and his wife Audrey; two sisters, Mary Dawkins and her husband Terry and Sister Margaret Brown, all of England; three sisters-in-law, Carolyn Malone and Glenda Bell of Mars Hill and Gloria Connolly of Perham; many nieces and nephews in the states as well as England and special lifetime friends, Jennifer, Anne, Valda and Christine.
    A celebration of Elizabeth’s life was held at the Rose Acres Community Center in Caribou on Saturday, September 18th between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m. To remember Elizabeth in a special way, the children suggest a donation in her honor to The Caribou Garden Club, c/o Janet Woods, Treasurer, 27 Elmwood Avenue, Caribou, ME, 04736.  Arrangements by the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com