Lorraine (DeVillez) Collins

Lorraine (DeVillez) Collins, 92, was surrounded by loved ones when she was reunited with her late husband, Robert Collins, Sr. on Sunday, May 21, 2023. She was born in East Brooklyn, CT and was one of thirteen children to the late Eugene and Roseanna (Renaud) DeVillez. Lorraine was also predeceased by three brothers and eight sisters.

Robert and Lorraine married in 1950, not long before Robert was drafted to serve in The Korean War. Upon his return a few years later, they started their family and in 1957 moved into the home they built together in Lebanon, CT. She worked at various businesses in the community including Electro-Motive as well as multiple restaurants. In the late 1970s, after leaving her job as a waitress, she decided to stay home to raise her children, which also gave her the opportunity to help other family members by providing care for their children while they were at work.

Lorraine loved to travel with her family; some of her favorite places to visit included Jamestown, Rhode Island (Beavertail State Park especially) and Vero Beach, Florida. She also enjoyed reading, watching old movies, doing puzzles and crafting. She will be fondly remembered for her hand-knit baby sweaters, her Boston baked beans, turkey stuffing and for her love of crossword scratch off tickets, car rides and taking her family out to eat.

She will be forever missed by her children, Sonia and Steve Tedford, Karen Collins and Robert Niderno, Robert Collins II and Jill Collins, Michael and Renee Collins and by her grandchildren, Jake Tedford, Dana Tedford, Jamie Tedford, Jacquelyn Miller, Jeffrey Miller, Brooke Collins and Michael Collins, Jr., Also, by her two great-grandchildren, Lauren Tedford and Justin Miller. Lorraine also leaves behind one sister, Nancy Bernier, of Danielson, CT.

Lorraine’s family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Joslin Diabetes Center or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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