Ranier Barbara (Tebbetts) Collins

Ranier B. Collins of Groton passed from this life on May 8th, 2020 at the Care Dimensions Hospice Center in Lincoln, from a brief, non COVID-19 related illness, with her husband at her side.

Ranier was born in Manchester, New Hampshire to Walter and Mabel (Dufour) Tebbetts on February 7, 1954.

She is survived by her husband of thirty years, Robert L. Collins, Esq. of Groton, her dear sister, Michelle Collette, and Brother in Law (but a true brother), Stephen Collette, also of Groton, several nieces and nephews, all of whom were dear to her heart, and her closest friend (and adopted sister) for over four decades, Diane P. Hill of Lunenburg.

A graduate of Northeastern University (BS 1977) and Syracuse University (MS 1983), Ranier received her certification as a Speech and Language Pathologist from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in 1984; she served the North Middlesex Regional School District as a Speech and Language Pathologist for over two decades, helping dozens of elementary school children overcome significant impairments so that they could achieve better lives.

Ranier had many and varied interests. She and Bob reared five collies (who became their children) and in the process she became an expert at conventional and alternative clinical treatments for the litany of ailments unique to the breed.

An avid horticulturist, she laid out and planted the serene landscape surrounding the home in Groton she and Bob had designed, creating a sanctuary filled with heirloom perennials and specimen shrubs which provided four seasons of color.

She took on the task of assisting in the operation and management of the family’s two liquor stores, becoming an expert buyer, and a shrewd (and feared) negotiator with wholesalers.

In later years, she mastered the art of financial analysis of publicly traded firms and financial sector indexes, managing complicated portfolios though good times and bad, achieving returns which were the envy of her brokers.

Ranier was a kind and gentle soul, whose loss will be sorely felt by all who knew and loved her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the McGaffigan Family Funeral Home; services are private. Interment - Groton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Tufts University, 55 Willard Street, North Grafton, MA 01563 or to Care Dimensions Hospice House at Lincoln, 125 Winter Street, Lincoln, MA 01773.


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