Jeanne E. Guillotte Collier, of North Haven CT, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at The Connecticut Hospice, Branford, with her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Harry W. Collier.
Jeanne was born at home in Taftville, CT on July 21, 1933. She was the daughter of William Joseph II and Marie Anne (Marion) LaGarde Guillotte. The second of 3 children, sister of Yvonne Trilsch and her brother the late William Joseph Guillotte III. Jeanne lived her earlier years in Taftville and Jewett City, CT and spoke French as her first language. The family moved to New Haven and Jeanne attended grammar school at St. Rose of Lima, where she graduated 8th grade. That same year, she crowned the statue of The Blessed Virgin Mary. Jeanne and Yvonne sang in St. Clare’s choir along with their father. She later moved to East Haven, where she attended high school.
After marrying Albert Arnold Swanson of New Haven, she resided in Guilford and Wallingford, before moving to Hamden in 1964. She married her second husband, Harry W. Collier and was happily married until his death in 2004. While living in Hamden, she became employed at Quinnipiac College where she worked in the presidents office simultaneously obtaining her bachelor’s degree. She transitioned to a human resources role until her time at Quinnipiac concluded. After leaving Quinnipiac College, she completed her education at the University of Hartford. Before retiring, Jeanne worked at the Connecticut State Police in Labor Relations – an arbitrator.
In her personal life, Jeanne enjoyed singing and playing the piano. She possessed a beautiful singing voice and a wonderful disposition. She was always happy, smiling and kind – offering advice to those who needed it. She had a magnetic personality. It was no surprise that her schedule was packed with social engagements – she had many friends. In retirement, she moved to North Haven to be closer to family. In 2010, Jeanne entered the cabaret program at The Neighborhood Music School in New Haven where she studied for several years. Jeanne became the music director at the Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center in North Haven. For over ten years, she led the Senior Songsters. She also volunteered in the elementary schools in North Haven, reading stories with children. Jeanne and Harry volunteered for the Salvation Army, serving holiday dinners to the needy and homeless. She found enjoyment in gardening, baking, knitting, and entertaining company as well as traveling.
Jeanne was a powerful and dynamic presence in the lives of everyone who had the honor and joy of knowing her. Our memories of Jeanne will be held forever in our hearts. She was the mother of Albert Swanson (Diane Weldon), Karen Swanson-McNerney, Kristine S. Roberts (Douglas), Steven Swanson and Eric Swanson (Veronica Dam). She was also the grandmother of Eric K. Swanson (Lizzie), Melissa Musil (David), Hillary Roberts (Andrew Martin), Zach Roberts (Niddrie), Alex (A.J.) Roberts, Ryan McNerney and the late Connor McNerney. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren (Serena, Oliver, Summer, Jordan, Jude, Brooks and Nash). She is survived by her beloved nieces and nephews. Jeanne is predeceased by her first husband, Albert A. Swanson.
The visiting hours will be Friday morning December 29th from 9:30 to 11:30 at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.