Collins, Elsie Mary (nee Fregeau)
Passed away at Joseph Brant Hospital, Burlington on Saturday, May 15, 2021 in her 94th year. Predeceased by her parents Joseph and Mary Eleanor “Laura” (nee Kidder) Fregeau. Born in Fort William, Ontario, on March 10, 1928, her father soon moved the family to Kenora, Ontario where Mom grew up and considered home.
Mom wanted to pursue a university education, so she relocated to Toronto where she ended up working for Burns Brothers (later Nesbitt Burns) and in HR at the Department of Highways. It was at the DHO, that Daniel Collins, a smitten professional engineer, first asked for her phone number. While they never dated in Toronto, when Mom returned to Kenora for her sister Estelle’s wedding, a mutual friend set Mom up with Dan, who was now working in Kenora. Within three weeks of dating, Dad asked Mom to marry him, and they were married within three months. Relocated to Blind River and shortly thereafter to Sault Ste. Marie, Dad and Mom settled into married life and had six children within seven years. They were married just shy of sixty years, when Dad passed away in 2014.
Mom was a generous person and a gracious host. As Dad preferred to entertain at home, many of their get togethers with friends took place at our house. Mom could put together a wonderful meal and have the kitchen spotless before we rose for breakfast. While Mom would often say she was not a “great cook” she was a fabulous baker. Despite an already full table, Mom always welcomed guests, be it Dad’s extended family from Peterborough, boyfriends, girlfriends or other friends.
Mom made friends easily and remained close to her childhood friends. In particular, her friend Jackie remained a constant in her life, made particularly so, when she married Mom’s older brother, Vic. Elsie’s children met many of her friends on our trips to Kenora in the summer where we stayed with her parents or rented cottages either on Black Sturgeon or Coney Island. Mom and Dad would make the 20-hour drive over two days, with six children, a pile of comic books and a cooler of sandwiches and drinks. She instilled her love of Kenora in her children and ultimately her grandchildren, as she continued to make periodic summer trips “home”.
Dad’s vocation involved constant moves as he changed districts. From Sault Ste Marie, Mom and Dad moved briefly to Toronto, followed by Cobourg and London. Mom never talked about the friends she missed and how difficult these moves were on her, as well as settling in six children. Mom believed in getting on, and quickly set up house; then found herself yet another group of good friends with whom she maintained ties over the years and subsequent moves, despite time and distance.
Mom had great faith and that sustained her during the upheavals in her life. She suffered the relatively early loss of her parents, and later, her two brothers. Her faith was most tested by the death of her eldest daughter in 2000. This faith, gave her great strength, and it was seldom we witnessed Mom express the sad emotions she felt. She modelled courage and resilience in dealing with life’s setbacks and tragedy.
Mom passed along her strong belief in higher education, reminding us school did not end with high school. All of her children graduated with one university degree, four of whom attained an additional degree.
Mom’s generosity extended beyond her family as she supported many charitable organizations over the years. Her deep sense of empathy and the belief she could make a difference in a life led her to share generously with so many.
Mom’s direct nature, wisdom, advice and love will be missed by her children, Patrick (Robin Graham), Kathryn, David (Cindy), Jim (Ted Merrick) and Claire (Ian Robertson) and her step-daughter Diane Shaw. Elsie was predeceased by her daughter, Peggy [Michael Blewett] in 2000. She was a loving grandmother to Daniel (Tara), Blake, Taylor, David, Laura, Reese, Lauren, Allie, Claire and was delighted to be a great grandmother to Madison. Predeceased by siblings Vic and Leo, survived by sisters Marilyn [late Charles] Hartleib and Estelle [late Gerry] Ouellette. With respect for her final wishes, a private cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held in the future. Donations to the M.E. Collins Memorial Award at Foundation Western (www.giving.western.ca) 1-800-423-9631 or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Elsie Mary Collins Fregeau Saturday May 15th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario