Obituary of Jane Collins

COLLINS, Jane Lois – Passed away peacefully at the Bignucolo Residence on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at the age of 89 years.  

Beloved wife of the late Allan Murray Collins.  Loving mother of Ken Collins (Caroll), Laurie Barker (Andrew), James Collins, Susan Lindquist (Kevin), and Cathy Amrein (John).  Proud grandmother of Sara, Julie, Lisa, Brian, Nikki, Alanna, Heidi, Brenda, Nels, Colin, Mitch and Ben.  Great grandmother of 14.  Daughter of the late George and Gladys Adams.  Dear sister of the late Donald Adams (Gloria).  Sister-in-law of the late Walter Collins (late Gladys) and the late John Collins (late Marie).

Jane was a proud MacDonald Institute, University of Guelph graduate (MAC ‘55).  She supported her husband Allan in their farming endeavours, both in Woodbridge and Peters Corners.  Jane had a talent for revitalizing several century homes and one unique barn.  She was an active participant in the Girl Guides of Canada from her childhood through her many years in adult leadership, influencing the lives of many young girls and women. Throughout Jane’s life, she had a deep involvement in her local churches, firstly Kingsway-Lambton United, followed by Woodbridge United, and lastly, her beloved Rockton United Church.

Precious times were spent visiting her son James and his housemates in Toronto, sharing fun stories and tasty treats. Our mother had a love of water and enthusiastically taught swimming to all ages.  She was so excited to wade into various ocean waters, including the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean.

Camping, travelling, and adventures were strong passions.  While Allan/Dad stayed with the farm, Mom courageously packed up 5 children and a tent trailer to set off on a cross Canada camping adventure.  Banana boats and buddy burners will always be part of camp menu planning.  It gave her great satisfaction to see her camping and canoeing skills taken up by the next generation.

Her last life adventure was choosing to live out her final years in Chapleau, northern Ontario, where she enjoyed being close to Susan and her family.  Mom always felt drawn to the beautiful North. We would like to thank the entire staff at the Bignucolo Residence, Chapleau, for their love and amazing care of our ‘spicy’ mother Jane.

Jane or Mom was a rock-solid support for her friends and family and will be dearly missed. These are words that Jane believed, “In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us.”

Cremation will take place at River’s Edge Cremation Centre, Sault Ste Marie.  A memorial service will be held at the Rockton United Church (792 OLD Hwy. 8, Rockton, ON) on Friday May 5, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial donations to Rockton United Church or to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated by the family.

(Arrangements entrusted to the Kerry Funeral Home, Wawa, 1-800-439-4937). wwwkerryfuneralhome.ca