Obituary of Madeleine Jeanette Collins

Madeleine Jeanette Collins (nee: Belair)

May 13, 1934 - July 24, 2021

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother Marlene on July 24, 2021, in Humboldt Hospital. Marlene was born in Debden, SK, to Ovila & Eva Belair and married Lawrence Collins November 21, 1955. They had 7 children 37 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.

 Granny lived a full life that was totally devoted to her family and her church.

She had numerous talents and was a fabulous cook, seamstress, gardener, and did a lot of volunteer work in her community.

She helped teach catechism for many years and all the children called her granny. They also looked forward to her homemade snack she prepared lovingly for them. Granny also owned and operated two restaurants in her life. The last one was the L&M Cafe where she cooked until her retirement in the late 90s. In 2020 granny moved to Humboldt where she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She put on a brave battle to the end, and never complained, never lost her sense of humor, and so appreciated her family and all of her visitors at the end. The Hospital staff took good care of our dear mother, and we all thank you for that.

Madeleine leaves to cherish her memory, her children, and grandchildren:

Hubert “Tiggy” (Lynn) Collins and family: Shanna (Jamie), Robert (Nicole), Christy (Aaron); Tom “Skinny” (Cecile) Collins and family: Jesse (Sherri), Clint (Megan), Leroy (Cindy); Maurice and family: Pam (Andy), Tanya, Jordan (Ashley), Tessa (Bismark); Estelle (Glen) Berscheid and family: Jeremy, Danielle (Geoff), Ryan (Andrew), Valerie (Craig), Brent (Shanelle); Allan “Sharky”  (Sylvia) Collins and family: Grant, Anthony, Candy, Robin (Rebecca); Richard “Budgie” (Serena) Collins and family: Justin (Shannon), Breann (Dylan), Karly; Daughter-in-law, Sharon Scott Collins (Len) and family: Christopher, Jennifer (Logan), Hailey; Son-in-law: Ron Brown (Marlene); as well as 39 great grandchildren; Her siblings: Anita (Philippe) Ruel, Real Belair, sister-in-law: Edwardine Belair; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Madeleine was predeceased by her husband: Lawrence Collins; her son: Phillipe, and daughter Rose Brown; her parents Ovila and Eva Belair; her siblings Giselle (Roger) Fortier and Ivan Belair; her sister-in-law Rita Belair; her nephews Denis Belair, Luc Belair, & Aimee Fortier.

Madeleines Funeral Mass took place on Friday, July 30, 2021, at St. Jean Baptiste RC Church in Debden with Father Dong Doan as Celebrant. Granny was laid to rest in the Victoire Cemetery.

In lieu of tributes, memorial donations may be made in memory of Madeleine to the Debden Heritage Manor or to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Thanks to all for celebrating in our mother’s life, she is sadly missed but fondly remembered.

Family and friends wishing to share online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home & Crematorium, Tammy Smart, Director, Debden, SK. 306-724-4474.