Obituary of Shirley Anne Collins

We are sad to share the news that, following a brief but intense battle with cancer, Shirley Collins passed away Wednesday September 5th in the palliative ward at St. Paul’s Hospital.

Shirley was pre-deceased by her husband Barry, and is survived by her children Christopher (Joy), Patrick (Sarah), and Mary (Lindsay); and her grandchildren Ben, Hunter, and Sophie.

Shirley was born in Prince Albert to Charles and Eunice Musk in 1938.  She graduated PACI and the University of Manitoba (Bsc. Home Economics).  She and Barry were married in 1961, and relocated to Ottawa, where Barry took a position working for the Federal Government.  The couple returned to Saskatchewan, this time to Saskatoon, in 1973.  Once their children were old enough to fend for themselves (more or less), Shirley went back to school, and got her Bachelors of Education at the University of Saskatchewan in 1981.  After graduation, Shirley took the position of Director of Support Services at Stensrud Lodge, a position that she held until her retirement in 2001.  Shirley and Barry became active members of the Saskatoon Cosmopolitan Club upon their return to the west, travelling to international conventions all over North America.

Shirley was a fantastic cook, having taught French Cooking classes while in Ottawa, and Shirley and Barry threw some legendary dinner parties.  Good food, good wine, good companionship were the order of the day.  Shirley was also a dedicated quilter, always with a project on the go at home in Saskatoon or at the cottage.  Initially, the family cabin was at Waskesiu, but 2005 Shirley and Barry built a year-round cabin on the water at Emma Lake. It quickly became one of her favorite places to spend a summer day, whether reading a book or people watching on the beach.  For Shirley, there was nothing better than the happy cacophony of kids splashing in the water and playing in the sand.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, September 15 at Saskatoon Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Cosmopolitan Foundation Inc.