Marlborough – On Sunday, October 27, 2019, Fern Barbara Collins, loving mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 72 after a long illness. Fern was born on January 27, 1947 in Marlborough to Barbara Lucille Miles, and Aubrey Malcolm Miles.
Fern held many jobs over the years. She graduated Beauty School and worked as a professional hairdresser after high school. Later, as a military spouse, she worked for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service under the United States Department of Defense in both Baumholder, Germany and Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. She managed Sally’s Beauty Supply in Marlborough, and worked in Customer Service for OnProcess Technology. Her proudest professional achievement was when she worked as a real estate agent. She sold several homes for Ernie Houde Real Estate in Marlborough.
Fern grew up in Marlborough, MA. As a child she had pet dogs, cats, horses, and even a bull named Ferdinand! She carried this love for animals her whole life. She cared deeply for her pets, and they always seemed to live well beyond their expected lifespans because of the love and care she provided them.
Fern loved to travel and enjoyed the outdoors. While she lived in Germany, she visited Italy, France, and Spain; in addition to other countries. She received papal blessings in the Vatican. Upon returning stateside she visited many places in the Southwest, including family vacations to Corpus Christie and Galveston, TX. She loved to hike and fish the Wichita Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, and spent many days in Milbridge, ME enjoying the ocean.
Fern was a devoted Mother and Grandmother. She lived for her family. It gave her much joy to be able to cook for them and keep their company; especially on holidays and special occasions. She gave great gifts, and would cherish every gift that was given to her, no matter what its value.
She’ll be remembered for the sense of humor and the values she passed down to her children. She will always be remembered for how proud she was of her Grandson Victor. She will be remembered for her generosity and kindness toward people. She will live on in the memories of those whose lives she touched, and will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be sorely missed.
Fern is preceded in death by her Mother, Barbara (Miles) Fabens-Tully, her Father, Aubrey Miles, her Brother Andrew Fabens, and her Sister, Dr. Sally Fabens. She is survived by her children Diana Collins of Clinton, Sean P. Collins of Uxbridge, and Brandon Collins of Clinton. In addition to her children, Fern is also survived by her grandson Victor Benicio Collins, former husband Jack R. Collins Jr. of Spring Hill, FL, and siblings Gary Miles of Hampton Beach, NH, and Aubrey Miles Jr. of Boylston.
To honor Fern’s final wishes, there will be no public services held. She preferred people pay their respects by donating to Buddy Dog Humane Society of Sudbury, and/or Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
