DOVER-FOXCROFT – Praise God for His mercy and His grace! He tenderly put His loving arms around Marion in the early morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, and gently took her home and reunited her with her beloved husband, Harland “Pat” Collins, who predeceased her June 11, 2003. Marion Helen Stone was born Feb. 28, 1924, in Brewer, the only child of Helen Barker and Otis Putnam Stone.
She grew up in Corinna and graduated from Corinna Union Academy in 1942 as the valedictorian of her senior class. She continued her education at Eastern Maine General Hospital School of Nursing and received her diploma in 1945. She passed her state board tests with honors and then began her career as a registered nurse. She first worked at Eastern Maine General Hospital and was a member of the Cadet Nurse Corps. In 1946 she met the love of her life while roller skating at Imperial Skating Rink, Dexter. Marion and Pat were married Aug. 31, 1946, and began their married life in Dover-Foxcroft. Marion was a nurse at Mayo Memorial Hospital for many years and was also an office nurse for Dr. Charles H. Lightbody of Guilford. When Pat was transferred to the Waterville department of CMP Co. they moved to Oakland, where she finished her nursing career as a staff nurse at Colby College, Waterville, retiring on her 60th birthday! She and Pat then moved back to Dover-Foxcroft where they had begun their married life together. Marion was a member of United Methodist Church, a past matron of Miriam Chapter No. 40, Order of the Eastern Star; and a life member of Almeda Chapter No. 149, Order of the Eastern Star. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Older Americans Club and Cosmopolitan Club. She was also a member of the Eastern Maine General Hospital – Eastern Maine Medical Center – Husson Alumni Association. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, square and round dancing, playing bridge, going on bus trips and camping with her husband at various state parks in Maine, especially Cobscook Bay State Park in Edmunds Township and Peaks-Kenny State Park in Dover-Foxcroft. Marion loved her family and her God. Her morning devotions were a very important part of her daily activities. The way she lived her life reflected the love of God and the important part He played in her life. It is with certainty that she is now in His presence and enjoying the blessings of His heaven.
Marion is survived by her son, Michael Collins and his wife, Arvilla, of Thomaston; a daughter, Judith Leighton and her husband, Patrick, of Dover-Foxcroft; and a very special sister-in-law, Gloria M. Collins of Dover-Foxcroft. She is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren: Amy Leighton, Michelle Bodman and children, Brianna and Brandon, Kristin Dulac and her husband, Mike, and children, Eliza, Adam, Alex, Ella and Aidan, Kathy-jo Parent and her husband, Jim, and children, Tim and Jeff, and Jeff’s two children, Zoe Beth and Amber Rose, and Basil Robinson Jr. and his wife, Arlene and children, Felicia and Basil III.
Visiting hours will be held 2-4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, at Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. A celebration of her life will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, at Dover-Foxcroft United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Dodie Sheffield officiating. Burial will be in the family lot at Dover Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Dover-Foxcroft United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 62, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.
Marion S. Collins
