Betty "Collins" Durost

MARS HILL and HOULTON - Betty (Collins) Durost passed away on August 8, 2025 at Madigan Estates Nursing Home in Houlton. She was born on November 7,1929 in Mars Hill to Ellery Sr. and Ethel (Wilcox) Collins.

Betty graduated from Aroostook Central Institute (ACI) in 1947. She married Paul Durost on September 17, 1948 and they enjoyed 69 years of marriage until his passing in August of 2017.

As her children approached their teenage years, Betty joined the health care work force. She began at the hospital in Mars Hill as a nurse's aide in 1964. Shortly thereafter, she enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at the then Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute in Presque Isle, graduating in 1966. In the following years she became certified as a Physical Therapy (PT) aide, helping others regain mobility and independence. She continued in this capacity until forced to retire in 1984 due to the increasingly debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis.

After both retired, Betty and Paul summered in Mars Hill and wintered in Zephyrhills, FL for 12 years. During those years they formed numerous wonderful friendships with people from across Canada and the US.

Betty maintained her independence despite her numerous health challenges. In June of 2023 she chose the timing of her move as well as the facility, Madigan Estates of Houlton. Every time family met with her, she would repeatedly tell them that she made the right decision, at the right time - for her!

Betty and Paul had four children: Dick and his wife Marcelle of Augusta, Jay and his wife Mary of Bucksport, Joy and her husband Bob Graham of Naples ME, and Jan of Mars Hill. They had 10 surviving grandchildren: Scott, Jeremy, Brad, Ashley, Kate, Emily, Jennifer, David, Shane and Craig. Additionally, they had 13 great grandchildren: Lyndsie, Julia, Savannah, Bella, Brady, Brooklyn, Bo, Derek, Nathan, Anna, Niah, Hayden and Avery. She is also survived by her brother-in-law James Drost and his wife Peggy of Houlton, sister-in-law Anna Marie Drost of Indiana, sister-in-law Judy Collins of Bridgewater, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was close to two special cousins Gloria Conley and Glenda Bell.

Betty was predeceased by her parents Ellery and Ethel; her in-laws J. Everett and Lillian (Giberson) Drost; sisters Maxine Grass and Eleta (DeeDee) Fletcher; brothers Bud (Ellery Jr.) and Rod Collins; brothers-in-law Woodie Drost, Burton Durost and wife Launa, Harold Fletcher, and Ralph Grass. She was also predeceased by grandson Reid Durost and a special foster child Bobby Broad.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held at the United Baptist Church, 20 Church Street, Mars Hill at 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 24, 2025. There will be no separate viewing hours. A brief family graveside committal service will be held at the Tapley Cemetery in Blaine immediately following the church service, to be then followed by a time of fellowship for family and friends at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made In Betty's name to the Aroostook House of Comfort,18 Green Hill Road, Presque Isle, ME 04769. The family wishes to thank the Madigan Estates staff for the outstanding care provided to Betty during her two years at the facility. Online condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com