CARIBOU – Velma Whiteneck Collins, wife of the late Linwood E. “Ken” Collins, died Feb. 10, 2004, at a local health care facility. She was born in Caribou, Aug. 16, 1911, at the home of her late parents, Thomas C. and Inez (Levesque) Whiteneck. She married her husband, Ken, in August 1929. He predeceased by her Oct. 31, 1972, after 43 years of marriage. She resided in Caribou most of her life and was a 1929 graduate of Caribou High School. Velma was active in a variety of community activities and served as president of the Henry B. Pratt Post 15 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary from 1978-79. For several years she coordinated Senior Citizens Bingo at the American Legion and had enjoyed a game or two of Bingo all her life. She was an active member of the Caribou United Baptist Church. From an early age Velma was an avid fisherwomen, catching her limit of trout or lake salmon on a regular basis. Mrs. Collins is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Norma Collins-Havens and her husband, Dr. John W. Havens of Oneonta, N.Y. and Mary E. Collins of Winston-Salem, N.C.; a daughter-in-law, Paula Adams-Collins of Greenwich, N.Y.; 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, a former daughter-in-law, Betty Bubar Collins of Plattsburg, N.Y. Velma loved her special friends, Duska Day and Joan Butler, they made her return to life in Caribou possible. Mrs. Collins was predeceased by a daughter and son-in-law, Hallie Collins-Berg and Dr. George Berg; a son, Dr. Thomas Collins, and her sister, Grilda Whiteneck (Smith) Hajda. Velma had many dear friends at the Caribou Nursing Home. She was a sunny, feisty, and friendly “Grammy” to many of the staff. Her family is very grateful and appreciative of the excellent, dedicated and caring staff at the Caribou Nursing Home for their loving attention to Velma. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A private family service will be celebrated at a later date. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mrs. Collins may do so through the Caribou Public Library. Arrangements by the Mockler Funeral Home 24 Reservoir St., Caribou.
VELMA W. COLLINS
