Van Buren--- Theresa (Vaillancourt) Collins, 91, passed away surrounded by her loving family on August 30, 2022, following a stroke at a Van Buren healthcare facility.   She was born in Van Buren March 22, 1931, the child of Romeo and Josephine (Ayotte) Vaillancourt, growing up in and being a lifelong resident of Van Buren.

In her teens, Theresa was employed by the Hammond Hotel as a housekeeper. Theresa met Pete, her husband of 47 years, Lionel "Pete" Collins at a social function in Lille.   They married at St. Bruno Church on April 17, 1950 and started their family in Van Buren.  Theresa supported 'Pete' in their heavy equipment construction business early in their marriage.  Theresa and Pete had three girls,  Linda, Nancy and Kathy with Theresa becoming a homemaker as the girls grew up.  As an empty nester,  Theresa worked for the Van Buren School District for 24 years and was proud of becoming the 1 ^st female Bus Driver in Van Buren.  She was a well-recognized figure to many former Van Buren students who would reminisce with her about being their Lady Bus Driver.

Surviving are two daughters, Linda and husband John Levasseur of Fredericksburg, VA, Nancy and husband Roland Cyr of Van Buren; grandchildren, Ben and wife Jennifer Levasseur, Terrie Levasseur, Myra and husband James Ross, and Randy Cyr; and 5 great grandchildren, Remi & Drew Levasseur, Regan & Jackie Ross and Louis Atkinson; a son-in-law Jim Walker of Ionia, MI; and several nieces and nephews.

Theresa was predeceased by her parents, her husband Lionel "Pete" Collins; a daughter Kathleen (Collins) Walker; brothers, Leo Vaillancourt, Harold Cyr, Gilman Cyr; and sisters Carline Cyr and Cecile Herrin.

Theresa's family would like to extend their deepest thanks and appreciation to the staff of Borderview Rehab and Living Center for the excellent care Theresa received in their charge.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church, Main St., Van Buren. Relatives and friends may greet the family Saturday morning, 9-9:45 AM at the church. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren.