Julia May (Collins) Redman

Julia May (Collins) Redman – June 2, 1928 – August 1, 2026

Julia May (Collins) Redman, 98, of Apache Junction, AZ., passed away on August 1, 2026. Born on June 2, 1928, in Plaistow, NH, Julia was the daughter of the late Eugene Collins and Lydia LeClair Collins. Julia was a true New England original, a woman whose infectious smile and warm laughter could light up any room she walked into. She lived a full and vibrant life, and anyone who knew her understood that sitting still was never really her style. Over the years, Julia built an impressive and wonderfully varied career. She worked as a waitress, drove a school bus for Timberlane Regional School District in Plaistow, and served the community through The Council on Aging in Haverhill, MA, where she drove senior citizens to their appointments and errands. Never one to slow down, she went on to run her own dog grooming business and later opened yet another venture, driving people on trips, airport runs, shopping excursions, mystery trips, and even to the beach to watch the fireworks. Julia had a gift for connecting with people, and every job she held reflected her generous, people-loving spirit. When she wasn't working, Julia filled her days with the things that brought her joy. She was a member of the VFW and AMVETS, where she made many friends from Plaistow and Kingston NH to Apache Junction, AZ. She loved to dance, and she never needed much convincing to get out on the floor. She was an avid reader, a passionate traveler, and a devoted bingo player. Card games and Yahtzee were household staples, and she played with the kind of competitive sparkle that made every round fun. Julia simply loved life and embraced it with open arms. She was the proud mother of six children, and her family grew to include 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, a legacy of love that she treasured above all else. Julia is survived by her son, Thomas Vail; her daughter, Karen Miller; her son, Michael Chambers; her brother, Kenneth Collins; and her devoted partner, Alan Kaeder. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ernest Redman; and three sons, Dennis Chambers, David Chambers, and Glen Chambers. Julia's faith in Christ was the foundation of her life. Through every joy and every sorrow, she held fast to her belief in God's love and the promise of eternal life. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with those she loved who went before her, resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord. She lived her 98 years fully, generously, and with a laughter that echoed long after she left the room. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. Visitation will be held September 19th at the Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home in Plaistow, NH starting at 10 a.m. with a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Julia's memory by doing something she would have loved: share a laugh, play a round of cards, or take someone on an unexpected adventure. That was Julia's way.