Irma Jean Collins

On Saturday October 21, 2023 at Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg, Irma Jean Collins peacefully passed away at the age of 95. Irma was the beloved wife of Gerry Collins and mother of Glen Collins of Winnipeg.

Born June 12th, 1928, on the family farm along the Arden Ridge, in the Sinclairville district, in the RM of Lansdowne. She attended Sinclairville School just a short walk from home. She had many fond memories of her childhood on the farm. Her love of horses began there and continued throughout her life. She had great memories of playing with her older brother Peter and family friend George Goodwillie who spend many summer holidays at the Hunter farm. Dances in Helston and showing her horse at the Carberry fair, were some of her favorite memories. In her later years, one of her favorite places to visit was the farm at Peter and Jean’s. She would find a sense of calmness at the farm, bringing back lots of fond memories.

She spent a short time in Winnipeg where she completed her Hairdressing course. She worked in Brandon, Clear Lake and then Neepawa.

Irma married Gerry Collins of Darlingford, whom she had met in Brandon. They settled in Neepawa where Irma had her own Hair salon and Gerry had Collins Safety Service. Irma also enjoyed her horses again as well. Horses were again part of life.

In 1975 the family moved to Winnipeg where Gerry accepted a position with the Manitoba Government. Gerry passed away in 1978 and in 1983 Irma moved to Victoria, BC fulfilling a dream that Gerry and her had of living on the Island. Irma then moved back to Winnipeg in 2007 to be closer to Glen and family.

Irma and Gerry also enjoyed curling and won many bonspiels. Irma would go on to enjoy attending many Briers and World Curling Championships later in life with Glen, family and friends.

She will be dearly missed by her son Glen, sister in law Donna Udahl, nephews Garth (Darlene), Brent, Wade (Michelle) Hunter, and Larry (Audrey), Cam (Myrna), Wayne (Shannon) Schweitzer, Kevin (Donna) Udahl, Arthur (Carmen) Collins. Nieces, Tannis (Jim) Brown, Alayne (Dunc) Tibbit, LeeAnn (Kelly) Haggarty, Karen (Graham) Brown, Trudy Collins, and Sandi (Paul) Collins – Ganton.

Irma was predeceased by husband Gerry, her parents Steve and Helen (Nellie) Hunter, brother Peter Hunter and sister-in-law Jean Hunter, Terry (Lyall) Collins, Faye (Russ) Schweitzer, Brother in laws Mick and Mel Collins, Lyall (Terry) Collins, Elmer (Donna) Udahl, Russell (Faye) Schweitzer and niece Mary Ann (Len Exner) Collins.

A celebrated of Irma’s life with a memorial service on Monday October 30th 2023 at White’s Funeral Home in Neepawa with Rev. Gladys Anderson officiating.