Judith M. Collins

Beloved Judith Holmes Collins of Milan, NH passed away from complications of Covid at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center on December 23rd, 2024 at 77 years old. Judy was surrounded by her family as she took her final breath. She was a devoted wife of 55 years to Daniel Collins Sr., and mother to three children, Sean Collins of Somersworth, NH, Amy Collins Martin of Fairfax, Virginia and Daniel Collins Jr. of Lewiston, Maine.

She was born in Concord, NH to Herbert Holmes and Josephine Martel Holmes, where she attended Concord High School and later pursued a career in Registered Nursing at the New Hampshire Hospital School of Nursing. She soon met the love of her life, Daniel and they settled in Manchester, NH and later relocated to Berlin, NH in 1973 and built their life together.

Her nursing career was diverse and inspiring, as Director of Nursing at St. Vincent de Paul Nursing Home, Health Occupations teacher at Berlin High School, Clinical Supervisor at Androscoggin Valley Home Health Services and her final job as the School Nurse at Milan Village School. She was a true angel and treated her patients as she would her own family. Her style of nursing inspired so many to pursue careers in health care, especially her daughter Amy who tries to emulate and honor the nurse her mother was. Judy was a selfless, patient and calming force of nature, who was loved by everyone who had the privilege of meeting her. She was hard working, private and stoic, never asking for help, always putting others’ needs ahead of her own. One of the greatest joys in her life was having her 7 grandsons with her at the pond, cooking French toast for them, playing board games and working on puzzles.

She loved to travel and explore with trips to Canada, Austria, Hungary, Italy, Estonia, Russia, Puerto Rico and several states. Her love of animals was also a hallmark of her personality, caring for several rescued pets through the years, and being a devoted feeder to the many woodland creatures surrounding their home. She was happiest near or on the water and could always be found on the pier at their home, basking in the warmth of the sun and taking boat rides throughout the day. 

She is survived by her loving husband Daniel, her cat Uncle Baby, her grateful children Sean and his wife Jessica, Amy and her husband Wade and Dan and his partner Vicki. Judy’s grandsons Harry, William, Foster, Charlie, Joey, Anderson and Frankie will miss their Nana. She also leaves behind her sister Joyce and brother David and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents Herbie and Josie and her brother Peter. 

No services will be held at this time to honor her wishes. A Celebration of Life will be held this summer and the family would love for all to come pay tribute to her and share stories about how she impacted your life. The date and time of that event will be provided at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the Bryant Funeral Homes of Berlin & Gorham, NH. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net