Janet N. Collins, 83, formerly of Canton

CANTON -- Janet N. Collins, 83, of Bedford, Massachusetts and formerly of Canton, New York, passed away unexpectedly on May 13, 2025, with her family by her side.

Janet was born and raised in Rochester, New York and was the daughter of the late Fred and Bernice (Hilzinger) Nielsen.

After graduating from Irondequoit High School in 1959, she attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, where she received a bachelor’s degree in English.

After teaching high school English for a short time in Potsdam, NY, Janet moved back to Canton, NY to start a family.

When her children were young, she worked as a manager for Smith’s Department Store, where she made many life-long friendships. Once her children were grown, Janet had a successful career back at St. Lawrence University as the Assistant Director of Development and Research, where she worked until her retirement in 2011.

Upon retiring, Janet moved to Bedford, Massachusetts to be closer to her family.

She soon began volunteering most afternoons at the Bedford Historical Society, a position she found great joy and meaning in. She especially looked forward to Bedford Day each year when she could share her love of the Historical Society with everyone who stopped by their booth.

Janet made friends and touched lives everywhere she went.

She had a generous spirit and saw the best in everyone. She never met a stranger.

When she wasn’t busy volunteering or making new friends, Janet enjoyed reading, playing games, and doing puzzles.

Above all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Janet was the loving mother of Rebecca Williamson and her partner, Michael DeBruin of Bedford and Darren Collins and his wife, Debbie of Tyngsborough, cherished grandmother of Addison and Benjamin Collins and the late Nicholas Williamson, and dear sister of Craig Nielsen and his wife, Donna of Bloomfield, NY and James Nielsen and his wife, June of Carvallis, OR.

Visitation will be held at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford on Tuesday, May 20, from 4:00-7:00 PM.

A memorial service will be held at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 10 Billerica Rd., Chelmsford, on Wednesday, May 21 at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Bedford Historical Society, 16 South Rd., Bedford, MA 01730 or online at https://www.bedfordmahistory.org/donations/.

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