The family of Girlie Collings is saddened to announce the passing away of our mother, grandmother, and sister on Sunday, March 17 at the age of 94.
Beloved wife of the late Donald Collings. Loving mother of Katharine Rydall (Fred), Grant Collings
(Patty), late Marion Helen Collings, Jean Rickaby (Reg), Marion Beaulieu (Pierre), and Susan Collings (Rick). Special Grandmother of Jayne Rydall (Jim), Hanna Rydall (James), Greg Collings (Tiffany), Brian Collings (Brandi), Dan Collings (Taylor), Robbi Collings (Greg), Duncan Rickaby (Stephanie), Jessica Kudryk (Ian), Kate Beaulieu (Nick), and Brent Beaulieu. Great Grandmother of Nick, Sawyer and Daphne Hurst; Elara, Adalynn, and Everleigh Collings; Brinley, Blakely, and Bodhi Collings; Poppy and Matilda Collings; Sydney and Jackson Rickaby; and Liam Kudryk. Dear sister of the late Guy Fremlin (late Elizabeth), late Bill Fremlin (late Murial), late Frank Fremlin (late Amelia), late Clark Fremlin (late Margorie), late Katherine Lapish (late Willard), late Nora Omnett (late Lloyd), late Lu Fremlin, late Jack Fremlin (late June), late Tom Fremlin, late Roger Fremlin (late Patricia), and Beth Bruce (late Bayne).
Sister-in-law of the late Jean Richards, late Ellis Boivert, late Elwood Collings, late Florance Lobban, late Bill Collings, and late Kathleen Willett.
Girlie was the daughter of Duncan and Marion Fremlin and grew up on her parent’s farm on the Bar River flats. She often spoke of life on the farm and was very proud of her Fremlin roots. Girlie married Don Collings in 1950 and together they provided their children with an ideal childhood environment, rich with country experiences, and surrounded with the love of family and friends.
Girlie was employed for 27 years as the secretary at Laird Central School. She was very active in the school community and treasured her relationships with the staff and students at the school. Girlie was a gifted organizer and for over 70 years served on several township committees and boards. She was instrumental in reviving the Laird Agricultural Fair and served as its secretary until recently. Girlie will be missed by all who knew her and will forever stand as an example of a life well lived.
As per Girlie’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A private graveside service will happen at Laird Cemetery in the spring. A date for a Celebration of Life will be announced in the near future.
Memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) in Girlie’s honour may be made to the Dr. Trefry Memorial Centre in Richards Landing, Ontario. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Collings family.