Vernice C. (Dayon) Collette

RUMFORD – Vernice C. (Dayon) Collette, 94, affectionately known to many as “Meme”, passed away peacefully with her daughters at her side, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. She was a 58 year resident of Hancock Street in Rumford.

Vernice was born in Rumford, on Nov. 22, 1929, the daughter of Wilfred and Emilia (Richards) Dayon. She worked at Diamond Match Co. in Peru, in early years and when her children started school, she worked in Nutrition Services (“Hot Lunch Lady”) at the Rumford Elementary School and Rumford High School for many years until her retirement in 1991. She loved to bowl with her team the “Alley Cats” for many years, picking apples in the fall, she loved ceramics, refinishing/caning furniture, cooking/baking, and basket weaving. She also loved to play cards. Her greatest joy was her three adoring grandchildren, who she taught to play cribbage, she loved attending and being involved in family events and celebrations. She was a very gracious and loving lady. She was loved by many.

She married Eddy J.A. Collette, her beloved husband, on Oct. 29, 1960, who passed away on Jan. 24, 1991. She is survived by her daughters, Margaret “Peggy” Therriault and husband Eric of Dixfield and Cindy Thorne and husband David of Standish, grandchildren Ethan Thorne (Abby Houghton) of Cape Elizabeth, Haley and husband Joey Luchini and great granddaughter, Gianna Luchini of Portland and Nicholas Thorne of Westbrook, and her brother Ronald Dayon and his wife Gloria of Rumford, many nieces, nephews, and friends who are considered family.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Dorothy “Dot” Garrett and Shirley Dunn, her brothers, Robert “Bob” Dayon and Hector Dayon.

Friends and family are invited to share memories with the family at http://www.meaderandson.com.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Friday, March 15, at 11 a.m. at the Parish of The Holy Savior St. Athanasius St. John Church, 126 Maine Ave., Rumford, with a reception/celebration of her life at 49 Franklin, following the service. Interment will take place in St John Cemetery in Rumford, in the spring.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Meader & Son Funeral Home 3 Franklin St Rumford, ME.

In lieu of flowers, her favorite charity was always St. Jude Children’s Hospital stjude.org .