SEARSMONT — Arlene Mae Oakes Collins, age 96, passed away peacefully and painlessly at her daughter's home in Searsmont surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, November 6, 2019.

She was born January 19, 1923 in Foster, Quebec, Canada to Elsie North-Davis Oakes and William Oakes. The young family moved to her father's hometown of Thorndike, Maine. After her parents’ divorce, she grew up and attended schools in Liberty, Maine.

She enjoyed dual citizenship until her marriage to Maurice R. Collins on July 14, 1940. A marriage that lasted 60 years, most of which was spent in Appleton.

Her life's passions were her family, reading, her art and the friendships made during her 25-year employment at Tibbet's Industries in Camden, Maine, especially Jeanette Dean whom she considered her second daughter.

In September, she was happy and excited to learn about and communicate with a cousin in England.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her sisters Bertha Haynes and Julia Blethen, and her brothers, William, Floyd, Raymond, Kenneth and Alan Oakes.

She is survived by her sister Beverly (Gary) Rollins; her children, Donald (Dorothy) Collins and daughter, Joyce B. Rose, both of Searsmont; and son, Mark R. Collins of Appleton; her grandchildren, Tammy Martz, Stephanie Gibbs, Craig Grover, Dwight Collins, Mari Morgan, Jessica Tingley, Kristen Shackelford, John Rose, Anthony Collins and Robyn Jones.

She is additionally survived by seventeen great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.

Her children wish to thank her grandchildren, especially Tammy, Jessie, Robyn and Anthony, her Beacon home care team, Vanessa, Miles and staff for their unwavering support and love through this journey.

Graveside services will be at a time convenient to the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com