Paula Diane (Clemens) Collins, 81, of Bellows Falls, Vermont, died on October 27, 2026.

Paula was born on November 5, 1944, to John and Virginia (Griffin) Clemens. She grew up in Bellows Falls, graduated from Bellows Falls High School, and attended Cardinal Cushing College in Boston, Massachusetts. She married Paul Collins in 2000.

For more than 30 years, Paula worked as a senior outreach specialist at Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS). She often took the people she served to evening events and outings on her own time, without pay, because she believed everyone deserved a full life and experiences that mattered.

She was a life member of the Women of the Moose, Chapter 1123, where she volunteered countless hours and sponsored 37 women into membership. She earned her Academy of Friendship Degree (1999) and her College of Regents Degree (2008), and went on to receive her red stole and red tassel, marking the final level of the College of Regents. Bingo was another big part of her life, and many of her friendships began at the bingo hall.

Paula believed that God made every person equal and loves each of us, no matter who we are, and she said so often. She lived that belief, standing up fiercely and without hesitation for anyone she felt was being treated unfairly or not being heard.

Above all, Paula was devoted to her family. Her daughters and granddaughters were the center of her life, and her love and support for them never wavered.

Paula is survived by her husband, Paul Collins; her daughters, Nancy Capron and Susan Dearborn and her husband Bryn; her granddaughters, Grace, Sadie, and Beatrice; her brother-in-laws, Graham Collins and Richard Collins; her sister-in-law, Anne Collins; and her cousins, Robert Griffin and Sandra (Griffin) Valiquette. She also leaves her lifelong friends, Catherine Welch and Claire (Kahkola) Buckley; her longtime friends and partners in adventure, Felicia Aron King and Karen Thomas; and her devoted canine companion, Molly.

She was predeceased by her sisters-in-law, Angela (Capron) Kneeland and Sandra Carnon, and her niece, Anne (Kneeland) Swanson.

A celebration of Paula’s life will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Bellows Falls Moose Lodge, 59 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls. The Women of the Moose, Chapter 1123, will hold a memorial ceremony in her honor, followed by food and time to share memories. All who knew and loved Paula are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paula’s memory may be made to: The Vermont Kidney Association, 1 South Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05401 (vermontkidneyassociation.org).

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.