EAST WATERBORO – Jacqueline Louise Collard, 77, of East Waterboro, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Jackie was born in Biddeford on August 29, 1944, the youngest of three children of Lucien and Irene (Labelle) Gonneville. Jackie and her siblings were raised on Gonneville’s Dairy Farm on Louden Road in Saco where she acquired her love of nature, animals, and a very strong work ethic.

Jackie graduated from St. Andre’s High School, class of 1962. On the 4th of July, 1962 she married her beloved husband, Richard “Kit” Collard at Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church in Saco.

Jackie and Kit began their life together in Saco where they raised their two cherished children, Steve and Darlene. Saco remained their primary residence for practically all of their married life until 2016. About 10 years ago, Jackie and Kit began wintering in Florida, and spending their summers at their family home on Little Ossipee Lake.

Jackie enjoyed a 45-year-long successful career at National Semiconductor (formerly Fairchild Semiconductor), beginning in quality assurance, then advancing to Executive Assistant, progressing in marketing roles before becoming an accomplished leader of her team as Product Engineering Manager. She traveled extensively for work, visiting customers across the country as well as globally from Europe to Asia.

Jackie not only enjoyed traveling for work, but it was a pastime that she and Kit enjoyed as well. Together they vacationed on cruise ships, visited Tahiti, Alaska, the Panama Canal, and throughout Europe. Her African safari was one of the highlights she spoke of often.

Jackie kept herself busy in retirement with other hobbies including gardening … producing beautiful flower gardens, going for long walks, visiting with friends, often while appreciating a nice glass of red wine. Being a very social person, Jackie enjoyed spending time with people, and was always the life of the party. She would bring a smile to everyone’s face when she walked in the room.

Most of all, Jackie loved the time she spent with her family. She will be sadly missed by many.

Jackie is predeceased by her brother, Norman Gonneville, her sister-in-law, Arlene Gonneville, and her brother-in-law, Paul Lambert.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Richard Collard; her son, Steve Collard and partner Jim Bloomfield, her daughter, Darlene DiModica and husband Vinny; her sister, Joan Lambert; grandson, Anthony DiModica, granddaughter, Catherine Parisi and husband Phil; great-grandchildren Gianna and Lorenzo; and many nieces and nephews; last, but not least, her beloved mini schnauzer, Bella.

Visiting Hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3 at Cote Funeral Home Chapel at 87 James St. in Saco. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 4 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 29 Dora Lane in Limerick, with reception to follow. Interment will take place in the spring at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco.

To view Jacqueline’s memorial page, or leave an online condolence, please visit http://www.cotefuneralhome.com.

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