Colleen Elizabeth Szramiak

Born in Berlin, NH on January 2, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Cecelia (Boutin) Hughes. She graduated from Portsmouth High School with the Class of 1956.

Colleen’s outgoing personality and spirit were shown in her high school activities of cheerleading and taking charge of social events. As an Air Force wife, she was active in military life on the base, and lived in Charleston, SC and Colonial Heights, VA before finally returning to Pease Airforce base in NH. She then resided in Londonderry for 26 years while she raised her family, eventually moving to Loudon, Bow and Penacook. Colleen was an avid supporter of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, from horseback riding, to hockey, martial arts, baseball, Scouts, cross country, and motocross. Holidays were special events for Colleen as she loved to decorate her home and host family gatherings. She also had many other interests including sewing, cooking, working on jigsaw and word puzzles, crafting, and spending time on Lake Winnipesaukee in Moultonborough. Everyone who met her was drawn in by her magnetic, fun-loving nature and she was known as Nana to all. Family was her greatest enjoyment, and she treasured the special times she shared with them. She also enjoyed a nice glass of wine, especially if shared with loved ones.

Colleen is survived by her children, Darlene Johnson and her husband, Paul of Loudon, NH; Steven Szramiak and his wife Lisa of Marlborough, MA; and Catherine Collard and her husband Stephen of Cumberland, RI; four grandchildren, Eric and Timothy Johnson, and Ryan and Daniel Collard; four great-grandchildren, Konnor Silveria, and Sean, Colleen, and Stephanie Johnson; her sister, Ellen Dorsey, several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and Sandy Wesoja, her care companion for the past few years.

She was predeceased by her husband of 33 years, Maj. Walter J. Szramiak, who died in 1995; and her brothers, Jack and Danny Hughes.

Calling hours will be held at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N Main St, Concord, NH on Tuesday, Nov. 12th from 2-4 pm. Burial will be at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA on Wednesday Nov. 13 at 12:30.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or on their website at https://alz.org. Please reference in memory of Colleen E. Szramiak.

Bennett Funeral Home is handling arrangements.