Obituary of Gloria Eillena Collins (née Warren)

Passed peacefully at University Hospital, on Friday, February 22, 2019, at the age of 85. Beloved wife of George for 67 years. Cherished Mom of Doug, Thomas (deceased), Sue and Tim (Diane). Missed by sister Sara, sisters-in-law Margaret, Dale, and brother-in-law Allen. Adored Gramma of Kristen (Owen), Sasha (Scott), Colin, Jordan, Stephanie (Adam), Wade (Kelsey), Jaime, Jeffrey (Jessica), Jenna (Jevon), Joshua (Venessa) and Jerrika (Alex), and Great-Gramma of Lauryn, Savannah, Nevaeh, Nolan, Daphne, Ethan, Liam, Harper, Everleigh, Emilia, Lilah, Chayse and Abigail. Born in Gananoque, Ontario, and moved to Chapleau, Ontario in 1943. She married George A. Collins in 1952 and began her legacy as the best Mom and Gramma. Gloria loved golfing, curling, gardening, travelling, playing bridge, painting, knitting and needlework. She belonged to a variety of clubs and organizations, and also gave much of her time volunteering for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Meals on Wheels Program in Meaford. One of her favourite places was the camp in Mulligan’s Bay, where Gloria, George and the family have countless happy memories. Thoughts from a few of her grandchildren: “Gloria was “Gramma” to her grandchildren, whom she so enjoyed spending time with. Gramma was always busy with her g-kids. Whether that be at camp; swimming, fishing, boating, or walking the camp road to pick up litter and rocks, she always had things to do and keep us entertained. Gramma also enjoyed skiing, snowshoeing, golfing, a good game of cards, Balderdash, or Scattergories with her g-kids. Gramma had a beautiful smile, and always gave the best hugs, and made the best Sunday dinners.” “A beautiful soul that was full of grace and elegance, with a smile that could brighten your day; a laugh that could warm your heart. An outdoorsy woman who wasn’t afraid to out-fish or out-golf anyone. She taught me so much, she believed in me, she made me feel magical. She was an angel to her grandchildren and a great inspiration to me. She was my comfort food. She was my home.” “Strong, beautiful, kind, honest, fearless and funny. These are just a few things that describe a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, aunt, and friend. Gloria was one of the strongest women I had the privilege of calling family. George couldn’t have found a better person to create a life with. She kept him busy, happy, moving and in line, because that is who she was. She walked through life with kindness, honesty and purpose. You always knew if you were doing it right, and if it was wrong, you quickly learned how to do it right.” “ ‘… the purpose of life, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.’ – Eleanor Roosevelt I think this quote perfectly embodies who Gloria was – a woman who lived each day, be it good or bad, with purpose and grace. We can all learn something from knowing and being in the presence of such a strong, selfless, honest and beautiful woman. May we cherish the attributes we inherited, the memories we created, and the love that surrounded us every day.” A Celebration of Life and burial will be conducted at CHAPLEAU TOWNSHIP CEMETERY, on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Gloria's granddaughter, Kristen, will be hosting an Open House to celebrate Gloria after the burial. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Gloria are asked to consider Mission Services of London.