Helen Frances Collins MacKenzie

Published 12:58 pm Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Helen Frances Collins MacKenzie, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Shenandoah Terrace in New Market.

She was born June 5, 1927, the youngest of four children (Laura, Ruth, and Charles) to Stanley and Grace Collins in Derby, a farming community in northern Maine.  She had many fond stories of life growing up on a farm in depression era America.

She attended nursing school in Bangor, Maine and was a proud member of the WWII Cadet Corps of Nurses.   She later worked as a maternity nurse at Portsmouth Naval Hospital until her retirement.

She was married 61 years to James MacKenzie who preceded her in death August, 2012. James and she lived in Maine, Norfolk, Windsor, and most recently Keysville.

Helen is survived by three sons, Earle (Glenna) of New Market, Jeff of Burlington, NC, and James (Mary Sue) of Suffolk.  Her legacy also includes five grandchildren:  Heather (Mark Higgins) of Lafayette, California; Alex (Nikki) of Stanardsville, Virginia; Chad (Melanie) of Mebane, North Carolina; Jennabeth  of Carboro, North Carolina; and Collin of Daytona Beach, Florida.   She also adored her six great-grandchildren: Austin, Cory, Madison, Charlotte, James, and Hudson.

A special thanks to her caregivers, Joan Litten and Dianna Earles and the entire staff of Shenandoah Terrace in New Market who provided her with such great care.

A memorial service will be held: Saturday, August 12, 1 p.m. at Douglas Presbyterian Church, 420 Douglas Church Road, Farmville, VA 23901.  Rev. William Hal Strong officiating.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Douglas Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements are being handled by Puckett Funeral Home, 115 Covington Ct., Farmville, Virginia 23901; 434-391-3830 www.puckettfh.com