In Loving Memory
MARY BLANCHE COLLINS

Born Mary Blanche McCaig, May 7, 1917 on the family homestead near Colonsay, Saskatchewan to Jim and Flo McCaig.

The early years growing up with five siblings on the farm built a strong will and determination that would last her lifetime. Enduring the \"Dirty Thirties\" and hardship created a young woman of strength and character.

Mary left the farm and went to work at City Hospital in Saskatoon where at a dance she met her soul mate, a young RCAF Airman named Bill Collins. They married in Colonsay on August 14th, 1943. After the war they moved to Winnipeg and Gladstone, Manitoba where her first son William James was born.

Their ties to Saskatchewan, saw them return to Colonsay where Bill worked for the Co-op and a second son Donald Wesley was born. Bill\'s career with the Co-op then took them to Carrot River. The love of the north country and a desire to raise their boys on a farm resulted in the purchase of a half section north of Carrot River. The rest they say is history. Root picking, land clearing, cow milking, chickens, crops... she could do it ALL! Her pioneer spirits never faltered.

After the sudden passing of her eldest son Bill in 1979, the desire to relocate to Kamloops to be near Don and the grandchildren Dustin and Selina became priority. They eventually sold the farm and retired in a new home built by Bill in Rayleigh. A new homestead was created with a workshop and huge garden. They made friends easily and soon the home was filled with neighbors and friends. Mary could always create a delicious meal out of thin air.

The passing of her husband Bill in 2003 was a difficult time for her but she remained strong spirited and moved closer to her son Don, settling in the Gateway Estates Home Park. She maintained her little home and garden up to her passing. Never losing that pioneer spirit. When asked what her secret to life was, she would say \" Always have a purpose to get up for and WORK!\"

A Memorial Service for Mary will be held at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, October 17th, 2009 in the Chapel of Personal Alternative Funeral Services, 177 Tranquille Road with Reverend Jack Phelps officiating.