Dorothy A. "Dee" Collins, age 65, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at Life Care of Attleboro, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 26, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Robert T. and Dorothy A. (Hughes) Commerford. She spent her early years in Norwood, Massachusetts before her family settled in South Walpole, Massachusetts, where Dee graduated from Walpole High School with the Class of 1974. Following her graduation, Dee took positions with King's Department Store and Serenity Hill Nursing Home in Wrentham.
In 1980, Dee enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving her country. She was stationed in San Diego, California, where she and her soon be to husband, Kenneth M. Heuklom, Jr., made their home together. Following Dee's honorable discharge in 1982, she and Kenny returned home to Massachusetts, where they were married on June 27, 1981, and the following year they welcomed their son, Christopher. In addition to caring for her son, Dee graduated from the Wilfred Academy of Hair & Beauty Culture in 1984 began working as a hairdresser in Walpole. She later took realtor’s position with DeWolfe Real Estate Company, selling home for several years. Dee went on to take a position with Garelick Farms in Franklin, working in the accounting department. While working at Garelick Farms, Dee returned to her education, taking courses at Newbury College to earn her accounting degree and made her home in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. With her degree in hand, Dee took an accounting position with Brown Brothers Associates in Boston, where she worked until her retirement in 2017.
One of Dee's favorite adventures was to the Amazon, she loved looking at photos and recalling memories from her trip. Back at home, Dee enjoyed taking an active role in her homeowner’s association at Chateau Village in North Attleboro, serving on the Board of Directors. She enjoyed some quiet time too, working on various craft projects, knitting, cultivating her flower gardens, or spending time with her pets.
Loving mother of Christopher J. Heuklom-Collins of Norwood.
Cherished grandmother of Kenneth Allen Heuklom and Jaxson Christopher Heuklom both of Foster, Rhode Island.
Devoted daughter of the late Robert T. and Dorothy A. (Hughes) Commerford
Sister of Marie Denise Shea and her husband, Gerard, of Norwood, Deborah J. Brooks and her late husband, Timothy, of Plainville, Gail S. Delaney of Bellingham, the late Jacqueline Penza and her surviving husband Kevin of East Walpole, Robert T. Commerford Jr. and his wife, Bridgett, of Stetson, Maine, Mary Ann Commerford of Franklin, Timothy L. Commerford of Fort Washington, Maryland, Celene R. Lannon and her husband, David, of North Attleboro, Peter J. Commerford and his wife, Linda, of Londonderry, New Hampshire, the late Sgt. Kevin M. Commerford, and Janet E. Butler and her husband, Jason, of Warner, New Hampshire.
Also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Dee's Life Celebration on Sunday, May 16, 2021 from 2 to 6 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Monday, May 17, 2021 at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in West Medway. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, P.O. Box 824061, Philadelphia, PA 19182-4061.