We are sad to announce the passing of Margaret Jane McLeod Collins (nee Grant) on March 23, 2019 at the age of 89. Margaret was born in Cochrane, Ontario on May 3rd, 1929, to her Scottish parents Robert McLaren Grant and Annie (Nan) Grant (nee Bain). Margaret lived most of her life in Northern Ontario from Cochrane to Mattice, eventually settling in Kapuskasing with her husband John Thomas Collins and raising 4 children. They moved to Fergus, Ontario in 1997, then on to Guelph, and living her final days in London, Ontario. Margaret was predeceased by her brothers Robert Grant and James Grant and daughter Nancy Mary Buhr. She will remain in the hearts of her husband of 70 years, John, brother; Ian Grant (Margo); her children Patrick Collins (Trudy), Peggy Anne Endean (Kenn), and John Collins Jr. (Maureen); grandchildren (the Cousins) Cora Endean Turnbull (Bill), Andrea Buhr Wilson (Andrew), Lindsay, Ashley, Jonathon, and Jamie, Collins; great grandchildren Finley and Ewan Wilson; nieces and nephews Debbie McCartney (Barry), Jim and Peter Grant(Marla), and Allison Felix (John); sister-in-law Beatrice Grant. Margaret (Marg) enjoyed and was an active person in the communities she lived particularly Kapuskasing and Fergus but also in Florida where retirement winters were spent. She started teaching at age 19 in a one room schoolhouse in Mattice, Ontario. Her creativity was proven in her sewing, knitting, and quilting projects enjoyed by all the family. Her love of music and singing led her to participate in choral groups including the Kapuskasing United Church Choir and the Melville United Church in Fergus. She also enjoyed participating and organizing group activities and volunteering. She was an active member of the Kapuskasing Golf Club and held Executive positions including Ladies President. Margaret was also an executive member of the Canadian Cancer Society in Kap for 18 years, including President for several years. She was a cross country skier, curler, golfer and avid swimmer. At the age of 48 she obtained her swimming instructors certificate and led adult aquatics and swimming classes. As well, she held the award for the youngest person to complete the round the lake swim in Cochrane at age 6. Margaret’s outgoing personality was endearing and was caring towards others which garnered her many long time and lasting friendships which she nurtured and cherished. Her family was most important to her and they always knew the love she had for them. Family and friends may visit on Saturday, April 20, 2019 from 2:00pm to 2:30pm at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, 280 St. David St. South, Fergus, followed by a Celebration of Life in the funeral home chapel starting at 2:30pm. Memorial donations may be made to the Terry Fox Foundation or Run for the Cure. Arrangements are entrusted with the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home.
www.grahamgiddyfh.com