Camp Verde, AZ, Arizona - Helen Collin Ayotte, 73, died peacefully June 24, 2023, in Camp Verde, AZ, with her beloved husband and family by her side. She was born in Frenchville, ME, on October 12, 1949, the daughter of the late Joseph Collin and Blanche Morneault Collin.

Helen graduated from Wisdom High School in 1967. Music was an integral part of Helen's life. She received piano lessons throughout her school years and remained deeply involved with music throughout her life, sharing her love and knowledge at different stages of her career. Helen had a sincere appreciation for music and took great joy in imparting it to her students. She enjoyed the challenge of teaching what she called the 'Language of Music' and believed strongly in being prepared for whatever needed to be done. She began her career by giving piano and organ lessons to children of all ages in the surrounding area. Helen earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in May 1985, followed by a master's degree in instructional leadership in May 1991. She also received transitional ESL Certification. From 1979 and continuing after her retirement, Helen served faithfully as Cantor and organist at St. Thomas and St. Agatha Parishes, as well as in Camp Verde, Arizona. Helen worked as a long-term substitute teacher at Wisdom High School during the 1986-1987 school year, teaching social studies. She later returned to Wisdom High School as a French teacher from August 1998 until her retirement in 2007. In 1988, Helen taught in Grand Isle Elementary School as Chapter 1 Resource Room teacher for reading and math, and taught music at all grade levels including Pre-K and Kindergarten. Her sons recognized how hard she worked to earn her master's and how passionate she was about teaching. Helen truly loved being a teacher. She also deeply loved her grandchildren and made scrapbooks each year, capturing the special moments and memories they shared throughout the year.

Helen is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, Clarence Ayotte; two sons, Keith "Kelly" Ayotte of Camp Verde, AZ, and Randy Ayotte of Gorham, ME; two grandsons, Joshua Ayotte and Logan Ayotte; one brother Thomas (Pauline) Collin of Frenchville, ME; two sisters, Alice (George) Carpenter and Claire Morin; nieces, Bertha, Cindy, Elena, Julie, Melissa , Alexandra; nephews, George, Jacob, Luke; and several cousins. Helen was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Collin and Blanche Morneault Collin; two brothers, Joseph Jr. and Charles Collin; and one sister, Pauline Collin and brother-in-law, Jean Morin.

Helen was laid to rest on August 23, 2024, in Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Caribou, ME