CARIBOU – Elizabeth Ann “Lynne” Collins, 73, a proud British subject until her death, passed away Sept. 14, 2010, surrounded by her family at her home. She was born Feb. 25, 1937, in Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire, England, daughter of Wilfrid and Nancy (Wood) Brown. She was educated at St. Francis Catholic College for Girls, Letchfield, Hartfordshire, England, 1950-1953, and upon graduation was employed in the public relations office of Leicester Cooperative Society, Leicester, England, until 1961. Later that year she left her native country to marry her husband, Dale, in Key West, Fla., whom she met while on holiday at Southsea in 1959, while he was a sailor during NATO exercises in British waters aboard the USS Claude Jones. After relocating to Caribou and raising her own family, Elizabeth worked as a loving childcare provider for many years. Later, she joined 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 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 University of Maine at Presque Isle, a bread dough art designer who displayed her creations at local craft fairs, a member of Cary Auxiliary and a member and past president of 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 Veteran’s 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, and 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, and 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. The family invites all friends to a celebration of Elizabeth’s life 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Rose Acres Community Center, Caribou. To remember Elizabeth in a special way, the children suggest a donation in her honor to Caribou Garden Club, care of Janet Woods, Treasurer, 27 Elmwood Ave., Caribou, ME 04736. Arrangements by Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
ELIZABETH ANN ‘LYNNE’ COLLINS
