Rita Collins

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Margaret “Rita” Collins (1934 - 2022) passed away peacefully at Brampton Civic Hospital on October 7th, 2022 and was predeceased by her beloved husband William Collins (1931-1978). While Bill & Rita never had any children and she never remarried, Margaret will always be fondly remembered as Aunt Rita to her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

Margaret was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on November 3rd, 1934 to James Harland and Francis Harland (nee Tipping). She had 12 siblings and is predeceased by Elizabeth, William (Bill), James (Jim), John (Jack), Robert (Bobby), Elizabeth Orr (Lil), Francis (Frank), Pauline, Frederick (Bertie), and is survived by her sisters Annis (Ann), Mary Ann (May) and Kathleen (Kate).

Bill and Rita immigrated separately to Canada in 1956 & 1957 to start a new life working at AVRO Canada until they ceased operation in 1962 and then they moved on to Regal Die Casting where they worked together, Rita in the office and Bill in the plant until he passed away. She also spent time at Peel Memorial Hospital in administration and eventually purchased a Bed & Breakfast in Liverpool, Nova Scotia with her friend Christine Donaldson until Rita made the decision to return home to Brampton to fully retire.

Rita’s passion has been her involvement in the world of Guiding for decades since her start in Belfast as a Brownie with her older sister Lil. From there, she became a Leader in 1967, Pathfinder Leader and Commissioner at all three levels of District, Division and eventually Area in 1987 for the Halton & Peel regions. She received the “Certificate of Merit” award and “Ontario Award” for her commitment, dedication, and service to Girl Guides Canada. She has also been involved as a trainer and a Trefoil Guild Member.

A memorial chapel service will be held at Ward Funeral Home, at 52 Main Street South, Brampton, Ontario on Friday, October 14th, 2022. There will be a period of visitation commencing at 11:00am prior to the start of the service at 12:00pm, noon which will be followed immediately with her burial next to her husband at the Brampton Cemetery, at 10 Wilson Avenue, Brampton, Ontario using the Church Street entrance.

Condolences may be made online and the service will be live streamed through the links provided on the website for Ward Funeral Homes under her obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honour are requested to be made to Girl Guides of Canada or Holland Christian Homes in Brampton, Ontario. The family wish to thank the staff of Grace Manor for all the support they provided Rita while in their care.

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