Collette (Best) Larkin, 84, of Sandown, NH, formerly long-time resident of Atkinson, NH, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 8, 2021, at home surrounded by her beloved sister, daughter, and granddaughter.

Born in San Diego, CA, she was the daughter of the late Ethridge and Florence (Schwerin) Best. Collette was a graduate of Milford High School in Milford, NH, Class of 1956, Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, MA, with an Associate Degree in Human Services, and Webber College in Babson Park, FL, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Retailing.

Collette was extremely devoted to her family and country. When she went on car trips with her granddaughters, she always made a game of counting the American flags she saw waving as they drove by. She was a loving, caring mother, serving home cooked meals every night, and making sure to be home each day when the children returned from school. She was a positive role model for her children with her well-spoken, lady like appearance and demeanor. Her make-up was always perfect, her stylish hair never awry and with the big sunglasses that she loved to wear, she was truly glamorous.  She took joy in many things, especially her grandchildren and gardening. Her motherly, protective nature also extended beyond her own family. She was inclined to help those in need wherever she could, especially rescuing animals that needed a good home. She supported family members in their efforts and volunteered and took on causes that were dear to her: Eucharistic minister at Holy Angels Parish, Atkinson Academy, Save the Babies Airlift out of Cambodia, American Cancer Society, Republican Party, and the American Red Cross. Although she truly disliked giving blood, she gave regularly because it was important to her to help others. When her sister needed a bone marrow transplant, she offered to be the donor.

Collette loved to sing with and will always be remembered for the many songs she taught her granddaughters. As her Alzheimer's progressed, singing the old songs was one way her loved ones could always connect with her. Collette loved children and would stop to smile and talk to a young child anywhere… a restaurant, grocery store, walking down the street, in the Ladies room. There was no stopping her. Collette gave out affirmations like they were jellybeans and never, ever forgot to say "thank you" for whatever a person offered her. She had a unique way of making young and old, and those in-between, feel good and left a lasting impression on those she met. At the memory care unit where she once lived, she was known as kind, compassionate and always so thoughtful with the other residents. If she saw someone was not having a good day she would offer her cherished doll, Princess, in hopes of lifting their spirits.  She was a ray of sunshine and touched many hearts in so many ways.

Collette will be deeply missed and always in the hearts of her daughters, Dee Florent and her husband, Joseph of Haverhill, MA, and Alisa Larkin of Sandown, NH, son, George "Scott" Larkin, Jr. of Lakeland, FL, grandchildren, Gianna and Annalise Marcotte of Sandown, NH, sisters, Charlene Dewitt and her husband, Bill of Gainesville, GA, and Demaris Tomlin and her husband, John of Leicestershire, UK, daughter-in-law, Rowena Larkin of Atkinson, NH, sister-in-law, Jeanette McLin Payson and her husband, William of Suffolk, VA, as well as many nieces and nephews. Collette was predeceased by her loving husband of fifty-seven years, George D. Larkin.

The family would like to give a sincere thank you to the owner and staff at Always Tender Home Care of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Catherine, Anne, Keziah, Audrey, and Alice were so wonderful to Collette during her final three months. The love and care they showed her was amazing.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday July 14, 2021, from 7 pm to 8 pm at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday July 15, 2021 at 10 am in Holy Angels Church of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, 8 Atkinson Depot Rd., Plaistow, NH. Burial to follow in Atkinson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Collette asked that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, ( www.alz.org ) or the Salem Animal Rescue League, 4 SARL Dr, Salem, NH 03079 ( www.sarlnh.org )