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Irene Collard Obituary
Her husband, Leo E. Collard, passed away in 1965. She is survived by six daughters: Joan B. Collard of Northborough, Jane E. Niemela and her husband, John of Rotonda West, Florida, Nancy M. Ingham and her husband, Ronald of Shipshewana, Indiana, Shirley I. Batcheller and her husband, Peter of Rotonda West, Florida; Rita D. Chapdelaine and her husband, Gerald of Englewood, Florida, Donna L. Hopkins and her husband, Joseph of Stokesdale, N.C., two sons: Leo E. Collard and his wife, Diane of Upton and Paul D. Collard of Florida; two half brothers: Nelson Harper, Jr., and his wife, Nyleen of Penacook, N.H.; Ralph G. Harper and his wife, Marilyn of Clearwater, FL and Ralph's first wife, Dorothy Harper of Hudson, N.H.; also survived by eighteen grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Theodore O. Harper; two sisters: Eva Conrad and Blanche D. Kearnan and four grandchildren.
She was born on February 26, 1915 in the Linwood section of Northbridge the second child of the late Nelson L. and Delina (Lescault) Harper. She attended Worcester area schools and Commerce High School and was a member of St. Rose of Lima Church in Northborough.
Irene was a homemaker. She enjoyed her grandchildren, T.V. game shows, playing Boggle and Foxwoods.
Her faith was very important to her. She will be remembered for her loving heart, generosity and grateful attitude toward others.
A Memorial Funeral Mass for Irene will be held on Saturday, August 23, at 10:00 A.M. in St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main Street, Northborough. Burial will follow in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her name to St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532.
For directions and for Irene's personal online memorial guestbook, please visit,
www.brittonfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Irene Collard
Leo Collard
August 11, 2010
Dear Mom,
It is so hard to believe that 2 years has past since you left this earth. I still think of you every day. I miss your smile, your laughter, your voice. I still think of picking up the phone to call you all the time to say hi and check in with you. Please know that I will always love you, that I will always miss you, until we are all together again in Heaven. Until then I will keep you forever close in my heart each and every day.
Your loving Son,
Leo
Leo Collard
February 26, 2010
Dear Mom,
Today is February 26th, the day you were born. I stop to reflect on this special day and remember the wonderful Mother you were to me. I think of you every day. Time has past since you left this world, but your love is always present with me. May you be forever remembered by those whose lives were touched by you. I will forever love you and hold dear our special time spent together here on this earth.
May you forever rest in peace surrounded by the love of God.
Your Loving Son,
Leo
Leo Collard
August 11, 2009
Dear Mom,
Today was such a hard day for me. I can't believe a whole year has past since God called you home. I will never forget our last moments together. I am forever grateful for being with you then. I think of you everyday. I thank you for being the wonderful Mother and friend that you were to me and for all your love and support always. I will forever cherish our times together, your beautiful smile, your generosity and unselfish love.
"Gone yet not forgotten, although we are apart, your spirit lives within me, forever in my heart."
Your Loving Son,
Leo
Donna Hopkins
August 11, 2009
Dear Mom,
It was a year ago today, that I spoke to you for the very last time, shortly before you passed away. I am so glad I got to tell you how much I love you. I think about you everyday. I will always remember your smile, your laugh, and the fun times we had together. I will always remember our shopping trips to Big Lots and then lunch at either Subways or Friendlys. I will also remember our Scrabble games and playing Boggle for hours. You won most of the time. You knew so many words. Thank you mom for being my mom and friend. I will keep you forever in my heart.
Your Loving Daughter,
Donna
Leo Collard
June 21, 2009
Dear Mom,
Today is Father's Day. I was given the most wonderful gift this year, my first grandchild. His name is Jameson. I know Jameson would have loved to see you and have you hold him on this day. I just want you to know that I will be sure to tell little Jameson all about his Great-Grammy Collard, and all about her special kindness, generosity, and love. I am forever grateful to you for giving me the wonderful gift of life so that I am able to experience all its joys and wonders. I think of you everyday Mom, and I miss you so much.
Your loving Son.
Leo
Leo Collard
May 10, 2009
Dear Mom,
On this Mother's Day, I just want to say thank you for all your unselfish love, generosity, kindness, friendship, and many prayers shared with me as Mother and Son. I feel forever Blessed to have had you as my Mother and I will forever cherish all the many wonderful, special memories we shared together. I love you and miss you.
Your loving Son,
Leo
Donna Hopkins
May 10, 2009
Dear Mom,
Today is the first Mother's Day that you are not with us. I want to wish you a Happy Mother's Day and tell you how much I love and miss you.
I will miss our outings, your smile and your loving messages you would send in your cards. Love you forever.
Your Loving Daughter,
Donna
Donna Hopkins
April 13, 2009
Dear Mom,
Yesterday was Easter and I thought of you. I miss you so much. I remember how you loved the spring. You loved when the weather warmed up and you could go out and do some yard work. You would sweep your driveway and pick up the trash along the street. I also remember how we would have our first yardsale in April. As the weather is warming up and the flowers and trees are blooming I think of you, as I often do. You are forever in my thoughts and heart.
Love you forever Mom,
Your loving daughter Donna
Donna Hopkins
February 26, 2009
Dear Mom,
Today would be your 94th birthday. I can't believe at times that you are gone. I know you always said that you would live to be 100. I miss sending you flowers from Danialson's Flowers, and I miss calling you today and hearing your voice, though I can still hear your voice in my mind. I know you are celebrating this year with dad, your sisters, Blanche and Eva, and your brother, Ted and your grandchildren. HAPPY BIRTHDAY mom! I love you mom. You are always in my thoughts, prayers, and heart.
Your loving daughter,
Donna
Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Best Friend to all who knew her.
Leo Collard
February 26, 2009
Dear Mom,
Today is February 26th. The day you were born. I awoke with mixed feelings. I miss you terribly, even more on this day and all the holidays we shared together. I don’t think I have fully dealt with your passing. It’s buried somewhere deep inside me. After all you were not supposed to die. You always said you’d live to be 100. I always want to pick up the phone to share something that has happened good or bad, you were always there to listen. I loved to stop by for a game of scrabble, or just sit and talk, or watch TV with you. I will always remember when we watched TV that you would shout to me asking if the TV was too loud, and I would shout back, that it sounded just fine and you would smile. I can’t believe at times that your not here. I lit a candle, next to your picture today in remembrance. That was Jacob’s idea. He said we should put Grammys picture on the mantel and light a candle. He is so strong, so understanding for six. We all miss you Mom and want you to know not a day goes by that we don’t remember you. You were a beautiful, wonderful, loving, caring, generous, human being loved by all. May your birthday celebration in heaven be special today on this your special day.
Your loving son,
Love Leo
Donna Hopkins
December 26, 2008
Dear Mom,
Christmas was yesterday, and you were in my thoughts and heart. I know you celebrated Christmas with Dad (who I also miss so much), your parents, siblings, and grandchildren (my sweet daughter Amy and percious son Brian-who are also forever in my thoughts, prayers and heart). I will always remember all the Christmases of the past, and I have kept all of your Christmas cards and enjoy reading them over and over. I love and miss you mom.
Tomorrow marks the 43rd anniversary of Dad's death. Now, you are together forever. My love to you both.
Forever in my heart,
Your Daughter Donna
Leo Collard
December 24, 2008
Dear Mom,
It's Christmas Eve. I miss you. You always made Christmas a special, magical time. Thank you for making such wonderful memories with me that will last forever. Merry Christmas.
Love, your Son
- Leo
Donna Hopkins
November 24, 2008
Dear Mom,
As Thanksgiving approaches, I have been thinking about how thankful I am, for having had you as my mom for so many years. I know this year you will be celebrating Thanksgiving with Dad, your sisters Eva and Blanche, your brother Ted, your mom and dad, and your granddaughter Amy and grandson Brian, and all those who are up in heaven with you. I will miss you so, and I will always save a place in my heart for you. Happy Thanksgiving Mom.
My love and heart forever,
Donna
Leo Collard
November 11, 2008
Dear Mom,
It doesn’t seem possible three months have passed since that summer day in August, the 11th when you left us. I continue to think of you each and every day. They say time heals all things.
Well, I don’t know about that yet. It is going to take a long, long time before I can get through a single day without thinking about you. You were everything to me, not just my Mother, but my friend. You were always there to listen, but not judge. You were the most giving, caring, unselfish, loving person I have ever known. I love you. I miss you.
Your loving Son
-Leo
Rita Chapdelaine
October 14, 2008
Ma,
It's hard to believe it's been 2 months. You are always in my thoughts. You don't know how many times I've thought I'd just pick up the phone and call you. I miss you, I miss hearing your voice. We bought a new little house in Sept., and are doing it over. I'd love to tell you all about it. I know you'd be so happy for us. I love you Ma! Rest in peace. Love,Rita
Donna Hopkins
October 14, 2008
Dear Mom,
I find it hard to believe that you are gone, that two months have passed. I think of you often. You will forever be in my heart.
Your daughter, Donna
Leo Collard
October 11, 2008
Dear Mom,
Today we celebrated Jacob's 6th Birthday. We all missed you so very much. I can see your face, your smile, you always lit up so magically whenever you saw Jacob. It's so hard to believe two months have passed since God called you home. I think of you every moment of every day.
I know it is so selfish of me to want you here with me. It is just so hard to let go. I told you many times that I loved you that you were the best Mother a son could ever have. I told you many times that I could never thank you enough for all you did for me, for all your love and support.
May you rest in peace until we are together again. I love you Mom.
Your loving Son, Leo
Christmas 2007
Leo Collard
September 11, 2008
Dear Joan, Jane, Nancy, Shirley, Rita, Donna and Paul,
As we all remember Mom, especially today the 11th on the 1st month of her passing, I'd like to share a poem a came across.
Words that I can hear Mom saying every day.
Loss of Mother Poem
Now that I am gone,
remember me with smiles and laughter.
And if you need to cry,
cry with your brother or sister
who walks in grief beside you.
And when you need me,
put your arms around anyone
and give to them what you need to give to me.
There are so many who need so much.
I want to leave you something --
something much better than words or sounds.
Look for me in the people I've known
or helped in some special way.
Let me live in your heart
as well as in your mind.
You can love me most
by letting your love reach out to our loved ones,
by embracing them and living in their love.
Love does not die, people do.
So, when all that's left of me is love,
give me away as best you can.
Mom loved us all deeply.
Bob & Norma Mann
August 22, 2008
Our deepest sympathies go to all of Irene's family. We have fond memories of the Christmas Parties at Rita & Jerry's with all the family. You now have a special angel in heaven to watch over each and every one of you!
ALMA ERICKSON
August 18, 2008
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Mrs. Collard was such a lovely lady. My dear friend Donna, whom I know for many years, is just like her mother, a caring, kind mother/daughter. Both are alike in manner displaying deep faith in Him with yet quite strength. I remember Donna visiting with her often and taking her out when we were close neighbors in Auburn. God bless you and your family Donna. May 'her' peace give you peace..Love Alma and Laura
Shawn & Heather Gordon
August 15, 2008
We are sorry about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shirley & Peter (daughter & son in law) Batcheller
August 15, 2008
It is still so hard to accept that we will never see Mom again. We will forever be grateful to Joan for all the years of care; we can never thank her enough.
Mom, you were always so strong, beautiful (in body and spirit), kind, loving and generous. You will be missed terribly. We will cherish all the wonderful memories and hold you in our hearts forever, taking comfort in knowing you are in heaven with Dad. Rest in peace.
Brett Ingham
August 15, 2008
Dear Grammy,
You were the most positive person in my life. No matter what, you were always so loving and caring. Your glass was always so full. I have been blesed with so many positive memories with you. I can only strive to be half the person you were. I was glad you got to meet my oldest children Patrick and christian. I wished we lived closer so you could have meet all the foster children I have had these last few years. Please give Donald and Alex 3 1/2(RIP Nov.3 2007) a hug for me. We will never forget you and will continue to try to make this a better world. I will pass on all the love you gave me to others around me including children in need.
Our Love is Always!
Maryland Inghams!
Brett Ingham, Grandson
Patrick 16, christian 13, and Julie 3 1/2 Great grandchildren.
Donald & Julie Ryan
August 14, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jane (Collard) Niemela
August 14, 2008
Sweet, Sweet Mom,
You were always so admired and respected, a truly special lady. Always so loving, kind and thoughtful. There are no words to describe how much you'll be missed. Give our love to Dad and our son, Matthew, and all your siblings and family who have gone before you. Your spirit will live on in us all until we see you again. You are now our special guardian angel. All our love!
Joan,
We send you our sincere "Thank You" for the wonderful care you gave mom over the past years. Mom was truly blessed to have you. We love you.
-Jane & John Niemela
(daughter & son-in-law)
Rita Chapdelaine
August 14, 2008
Ma,
I love you! We really had alot of laughs! My two funniest memories; the time we were grocery shopping and it started pouring rain outside,so you asked the clerk for a brown paper bag and fashioned yourself a hat! We laughed so hard! And then there was the 1st time we took you camping. You didn't wear pants yet, and I couldn't talk you into it, so you wore your "house dresses". You really loved camping out on the beach at Race Point. We will miss you! You've always had my love, and I yours and that is what I will keep with me, now and always. Rest in Peace.
All Our Love,
Rita and Jerry
Grammy and I ~ My wedding May 10 ~ 1997
Kara Foti (Niemela)
August 13, 2008
I will ALWAYS remember you and how beautiful you were. You were an amazing woman, and I feel so HONORED to have been your granddaughter. People always think they have more time to spend with the ones they love or to say things they want to say....I wish that I could've had the chance to tell you that I LOVE YOU one more time. I will see you again one day, and I will tell you then. I would like to give a sincere heartfelt THANK YOU to my Aunt Joan for all that she has done. You ALWAYS took such good care of Grammy and I want you to know how much my family appreciates you. You should feel proud for always being there for your mother. Rest in Peace Grammy/Great Grammy~you most certainly will be missed!! XOXOX
Sarah Baker (Batcheller)
August 13, 2008
Grammy, this is so much harder than I thought it would be. I can still hear your voice when I recall our phone conversations...I will not forget. I love you for your strength and all of your caring ways. I know you will watch over all of your loved ones now. May you rest in peace and never be forgotten! All My Love, Sarah
Nancy Ingham
August 13, 2008
Mom,
I thank God for the wonderful gift of being with you Monday when He chose to call you home to His loving arms. I was blessed, and shall be forever grateful, by the opportunity to say goodbye. I have many wonderful memories; taking you on your first airplane ride to Tucson AZ to Chris and Cheryl's wedding; taking you across our great country by motor home to see the many natural wonders that our country bestows; but most of all, I shall remember your laughter. You are in very good company; please give my love to Dad and to all of our family members that have gone before. You are loved and very much missed. Until we meet again, our love, thoughts, and prayers will be with you.
Nancy & Ron
Susan Batcheller
August 13, 2008
Grammy, you were truly an amazing woman. You were always kind and caring for the people in your life. Everyone respected and admired you for all the things you did for your family and the love you showed to us. Thank you for being a part of my life. I love you and miss you. May you rest in peace.
Love,
Sue
xoxox
The Ratte Family
August 13, 2008
Dearest Grammy (&Great-Grammy),
We are so sad to let you go but know that heaven is blessed to have yet another angel. You were the kindest, sweetest, most generous and loving grandmother (great-grandmother) anyone could ever know. You will be missed more than words can say. May you rest in peace watching over us all until we meet again.
All our love,hugs&kisses,
Craig, Karyn, Morgan & Marisa Ratte
(Karyn Niemela - proud granddaughter of Irene)
Justin Collard
August 13, 2008
You were loved, respected, appreciated and cherished. Your kind words, conversations, laughter and beautiful smile will be greatly missed! May you rest in peace grammy and may our family rest knowing you will always be with us, watching over us and guiding us in the right direction. Miss you already, love your grandson, Justin.
Paul Collard
August 13, 2008
Mom,
May you rest in peace with Dad after 42+ years. You will forever be loved and missed and always in my thoughts and prayers. Keep up on those Boggle and Scrabble skills for someday I will join you in Heaven.
Kristen Sorrels
August 13, 2008
Irene was my grandmother (Grammy). She was an amazing woman...kind, caring, thoughful, and what I admire her for most was her strength. She did so much for so many, always putting others first.
Living out of state I did not get to see her as often as I would have liked to. I was fortunate to have been able to visit her this past April with my three children, Logan, Katie and Mason. They are young now, but I will never let them forget who their GREAT~grandmother was.
She is with her husband now, my big brother Matthew and all her loved ones who have passed before her. She has touched so many peoples lives, and will be remembered fondly by all.
~Good-bye Grammy! We love you and will miss you. We can take comfort in knowing you will be watching over us now. Rest in peace! All my love, Krissy xoxox
Donna Hopkins
August 13, 2008
Mom,
May you rest in peace surrounded by Dad, your brother and sisters, your parents and your grandchildren, Amy and Brian. You will always be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
I will always remember playing Scrabble and Boggle with you for hours, and you mostly winning. I will remember all the fun we had shopping and eating out at Subways, Friendly's and one of your favorites, Boston Market. I will always remember all our long conversations on the phone, and especially your smile and your love. We will miss you mom.
All our love,
Donna and Joe
(daughter and son-in-law)
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