Heidi Ann Collins

Heidi Ann Collins

Heidi Ann Collins passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2, following a brief illness after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 73 years old.

Born on November 25, 1952, in Salem, Massachusetts, Mom was the daughter of Roger Hansen and Lorraine (Wells) Hansen. She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Gordon (Skip) Hansen and Barry Hansen.

A proud graduate of Danvers High School, Class of 1971, Mom went on to earn her associate degree from North Shore Community College. She built a career spanning more than thirty years in the legal profession in court reporting, stenography and as a dedicated legal secretary. She took great pride in her work and in the lasting friendships she formed at the Law Offices of David A. Mills. One of her proudest moments was seeing her boss and dear friend, David, sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court.

While Mom was dedicated to her profession, the role she treasured most was being a mother. Together, she and former husband, Joseph L. Collins, created a home filled with love, laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories for their three children.

Mom loved dreaming up surprises, quietly setting aside savings so she could whisk the family away on vacations, tackle a home project, or plan spontaneous outings to Lynch Park, bowling, or ice cream and mini-golf at Vic’s Drive-In. Watching her children’s excitement was her greatest reward, and she was always thinking about the next surprise.

Mom loved baking, especially pumpkin bread and banana bread, and often delivered homemade treats to neighbors, friends, and family members who could use a little encouragement.

A true homebody at heart, Mom found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She could often be found sitting on the front steps watching neighborhood kickball games and scrambling for cash at the sound of the ice cream truck. She was goofy, quick-witted, delightfully sarcastic, and never afraid to laugh at herself. Friends affectionately nicknamed her “Howlin’ Heidi” for her infectious laugh and quick wit.

Mom was also very creative. She enjoyed crafting, hand-picking grapevines to weave into holiday wreaths, stenciling, needlepointing, and knitting. She poured love into everything she made.

Some of our family’s most treasured memories were made while camping in our pop-up camper at campgrounds throughout New England. Eventually, Mom and Dad purchased a seasonal campsite at Totem Pole Park in Freedom, New Hampshire, creating a place where the family went every summer weekend. Camp became the heart of family life. Mom loved relaxing around friends’ campfires with a glass of wine, surrounded by the Pow Wow Lane crew who became lifelong friends. Camp was a favorite for everyone as the kids grew up making lifelong friendships, looking forward to Friday night teen dances, and later sharing those same traditions with college friends, spouses, and grandchildren.

As Mom’s health declined due to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, her daughter Julie became not only her devoted caregiver but also her closest companion. Julie lovingly continued Mom’s tradition of creating special moments, taking her to parks, beaches, outdoor concerts, Sunday drives, and quiet afternoons on the porch while playing her favorite Carly Simon songs. Mom loved getting dressed up for special events, including the Benton House prom. As one of the youngest residents in the memory care community, she often spent time with fellow residents who had no visitors. Staff lovingly described her as “pleasantly confused” as she wandered the halls with a warm smile and a friendly wave for everyone she met.

When Julie relocated Mom to South Carolina, she embraced the enormous responsibility of caring for Mom with remarkable love and dedication. Although family had long joked that Julie was the “favorite child,” she has officially now earned that title through her selfless care.

Mom leaves behind her children: Kelly Trudel and her husband, Matthew Trudel, of Hudson, New Hampshire; Scott Collins and his wife, Kelly, of Haverhill, Massachusetts; and Julie Collins and her partner, Andrew Hickey, of Summerville, South Carolina. She was a grandmother to Reagan and Colin Trudel and Kayla Collins.

Though Mom lost much of her immediate family at a young age, she was deeply loved by her extended family, including Lillie Hansen; Kathy and Frank Lalumiere; Judy Woodbury; Marybeth and Larry Gaboury; Steve and Jane Collins; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held during the holiday season. Details will be shared with family and friends at a later date.