Barbara L. Collier

Barbara L. Collier, of Rocky Hill and Old Saybrook, passed away peacefully at Brookdale, Clare Bridge just 20 days before she would have turned 101. She was the oldest of three children born to Raymond and Agnes (Doyle) Miller in Newburyport, MA. They were a close family who were proud to celebrate their Irish heritage.

Barbara was a wonderful mother to Jane VanNorstrand (Caimesa, CA), Pamela Bianca and son-in-law Anthony Jr. (New Britain), and Leslie Flott (Old Saybrook); grandmother to Laren Leichliter (Anna), Anthony III (Jennifer), and Aimee; and great grandmother to Ashley Leichliter, Sofia Bianca, and Alexander Bianca.

Barbara was hard-working and independent. She worked at Chesebrough-Ponds in Clinton, first as the switchboard operator. She retired 25 years later from the Packaging Engineering Department where she helped code all the items that were manufactured at Ponds. Barbara was always one to enjoy traveling, going to the casino, knitting, reading, and attending the Rocky Hill Senior center, especially the Stepney group. She was a member of the Old Saybrook VFW and former President of the auxiliary. Barbara enjoyed marching proudly in her uniform in the parades with her husband Dick.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Barbara leaves her brother, Robert Miller and her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Collier, whom she will join at the Veterans Cemetery in Middletown at a later date; her sister, Marilyn Welch and husband Leon; and her sister-in-law, Shirley Miller.

Barbara's family would like to thank Pilgrim Manor, The Lodge and Brookdale, Clare Bridge, especially nurse Freedom Davis for being with her when she passed.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 12 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main St., New Britain. Calling hours will be on Saturday from 10 AM to 12 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Barbara's name to the Rocky Hill Senior Center, 55 Church Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.