Marie B. Collins

Marie B. Collins, 100, passed away at Northampton Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center on May 20, 2025. She was born on August 9, 1924 in Hesston, PA, to Merle and Eva Hoover. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James Collins, a sister, Louise Herbster Hetrick and brother-in-law, Nick Hetrick.

She is survived by a stepson, James (Bud) Collins (Kathy), a step grandson, Justin Collins (Ashley), a step granddaughter Melissa Hall (Mike) and a nephew, Alan Herbster (Mary Ellen) and a grandnephew Sean Herbster (Michelle). Also surviving are 7 step great grandchildren and 2 great grandnieces.

Upon graduation from Huntingdon High School in Huntingdon, PA, Marie served as an administrative assistant, first at several companies in PA and then was employed by the Federal Civil Service Commission in Istanbul,Turkey, Sheppard AFB, Dover AFB, Dept. of Navy, Norfolk, and then at Langley AFB for the last 18 years of her working career. She received numerous awards for outstanding performance in her jobs.

Retirement did not slow Marie down. She joined NARFE where she served in most of the Board positions at the local level. She received honors for her dedication and contributions to the organization. She also enrolled in Ballroom Dancing in her retirement and won several awards in professional competitions. She did Freelance Modeling as well as modeling with the Fashion Elegantes modeling group.

She was a member of the First United Church of Christ in Hampton where she served as Board Secretary and a Sunday School teacher. She served her local community by canvassing for the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society and was a member of the Buckroe Civic Association, the Convention Center Task Force and the Hampton Tourism Activities Committee.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Miles of Pennies for Alzheimer’s Research, ℅ Margaret Keator, Treasurer, NARFE Chapter 682, 301 Burnham Place, Newport News, VA, 23606-3176, or Animal Aid Society, 90 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666.