Obituary of Barbara Collins
(née Walker)
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Barbara Jean Collins (née Walker). Barbara was born in Toronto, Ontario on January 31st, 1931, and died peacefully in Arnprior, Ontario at the grand old age of 90 on International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2021. Predeceased by her beloved parents, Charles Egbert Walker and Rita (McKee) Walker, her twin brother Kenneth Charles Walker, and her daughter Mary Jane Griffiths (née Moulton). Dearly beloved wife of the late Patrick Wheeler Collins, and survived by her loving companion and partner for 10 years, Henry Minto. Beloved mother of Jennifer Collins (Peter Kostyan) and Katie Cholette (Patrick Lacasse). She was especially close to her nieces Elizabeth Mantz, Susan Walker and Kate Guerout. Cherished grandmother of Jocelyn Preece (Igor Antonio), Alison Preece, Nikki Hodgins (Dave Hodgins) and Bill Griffiths. Proud great-grandmother to Max and Frankie Antonio and Kira Black (Kyle Wilson) and great-great-grandmother to Aubrey and Shawn Wilson. Barbara is survived by her two sisters-in-law, Diana Mulloy and Julia Turner and their families, and many friends in Ottawa, Victoria and farther afield.
Barbara was a woman of many interests and talents, and she wore many hats throughout her life: mother, public health inspector, army wife, medical lab technologist, flying instructor, and proprietor of a bed and breakfast. Raised in Toronto and Kingston, she lived in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Germany, and Ontario, making friends and having adventures wherever she went. Ever game for a challenge, she graduated from Queen’s University in her 20s, raised a family, took up flying around the age of 40, playing the bagpipes at 50, ancient Greek at 60, horseback riding at 70, and painting at 80. She loved travelling, camping, gardening, and visiting with friends and family (especially over a good glass of bubbly). She will be greatly missed.
We are grateful to Dr Fitzsimon and the staff at Island View Retirement Residence in Arnprior, the staff at the LHIN, and the palliative care nurses at Bayshore Home Health for their care in her last days.
There will be a private interment at a later date. If desired, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, the MS Society of Canada or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Barbara
Collins 1931 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Arnprior, Province: Ontario
Dear Jenny and Katie – I am so sorry to hear of your Mother’s death and am thinking of you very much. I saw Dorothy White on her front step today while out walking and she shared the sad news. I have fond memories of drinking tea and eating far too many slices of toast with butter and blackberry jam in the breakfast nook at 708 Parkdale Ave after school when we were at Fisher Park HS together – both you and your parents were always kind and welcoming. Whenever I pass by that house, I think of your family. May lovely memories ease your grief. with love, Karen Ellis