Bertha Page Collier

    COLLIER, Bertha, 95, ASHLAND, February 3, 2015. Funeral service will be held at 12 noon, June 20, at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Ashland Cemetery. Services in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Presque Isle.

    ASHLAND – Bertha Page Collier of Leisure Village, Presque Isle, died peacefully on February 3, 2015, at the age of 95. She was born in Ashland on December 13, 1919, the daughter of Rebecca and Forrest F. Page.
    Bertha graduated from Bryant and Stratton Business Institute in Boston. She and J. Arthur Collier married in 1940 and opened the Art’s Appliance and Furniture Co. in 1945. Together they raised their family and grew the business in Ashland until retiring. Bertha was a member of the Eastern Star and the Rebekah Lodge. She was a member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Ashland and the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Presque Isle.
    She lived in Ashland most of her life, in Florida, and at Leisure Village in Presque Isle. Bertha had a passion for travel by horse and buggy, train, car, ship, airplane, snowmobile and canoe with family and friends. She saw the United States, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean. Camp was a favored destination close to home. Gathering for social occasions, dancing, singing, card games, moose calling, and enjoying the best homemade meals all topped her list of favorites. She was a collector of memories, heirlooms, historical material, and genealogy. Lucky were those who felt her generosity and kindness.
    Bertha is survived by Patricia J. Craig and James P. Collier; five grandchildren, Kelley, Ted, Faye, Kris and Katie; 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Fredrick McNally; Debbie Bird, devoted caretaker; and trusted friends. Bertha was predeceased by infant daughter, Judy; sons, Joseph and Robert; her husband of 70 years, Art Collier; sisters, Annie Ayer [Paul], Alice Kirt [Wayne], Rowena Gardner [Orville], and Muriel McNally; and brother, Melvin Page [Bessie].
    Calling hours will be held on June 20, at the Duncan-Graves Funeral Home on 30 Church St., Presque Isle, ME at 11 a.m. with the service to follow at 12 noon. The Reverends Steve Summerson and Judy Burleigh from St. John’s Episcopal Church will officiate. Burial will follow at approximately 2:45 p.m. at the Ashland Cemetery in Ashland. www.Duncan-Graves.com.