Rosemary May Collin

Rosemary May Collin 94, passed away peacefully to be with her Lord with family at her side, in St. Joseph’s Care Group, Thunder Bay on March 17, 2021 after a fall and short illness.

Born in Detroit July 29, 1926, to Dorothy and James Rae, she grew up with her two younger brothers, Robert and John in Toronto. Following her graduation from Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing she set off for a job nursing in Yellowknife in 1947 where she met her future husband John Lough Collin. They married in Toronto October 29, 1949 but returned to their life in the North. In 1952, they relocated to Fort William, John’s hometown, with their new baby, Susan. Their son John was born the next year. Rosemary and John were married for 25 wonderful years before he passed on February 10, 1974.

Rosemary began working as a vocational rehabilitation counsellor in 1974 for the Ministry of Community and Social Services. In 1990 she received the Community Action Award by the Office for Disabled Persons, Ministry of Citizenship ‘In recognition of outstanding contributions made to the community or the Province of Ontario as a whole.’ She volunteered with many organizations: Handicap Action Group, Lakehead Social Planning Council, Canadian Paraplegic Association, Lakehead Association for Community Living, Fort William Baptist Church, Thunder Bay Parks & Recreation, and the Red Cross. In 2003 she was recognized by the City of Thunder Bay ‘In recognition of Distinguished Contribution to the community.’

Rosemary loved her many years camping at Surprise Lake beginning in 1955. She started the Canadian Red Cross swimming program there in the early 1950s teaching many children and adults over the years. The lessons became the early social hub for the lake. In 2016 the Surprise Lake Campers Association awarded Rosemary the first ‘McCracken Family Exemplary Service Award’. Still swimming in her 90s, many younger swimmers fell to the misconception that the water must be warm, watching Rosemary leisurely swim by.

She was a great sports fan, attending multiple Briers and Scotties curling championships and closely followed figure skating. When attending the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, she had to be convinced that going to four events in three separate venues in one day was the limit and a fifth wasn’t physically possible! She attended 16 events in all! Travelling suited her adventurous spirit. On a solo trip to Papua New Guinea to visit her daughter she jumped at the chance to explore the Sepik River in a dugout canoe and embraced every cultural opportunity. In addition to her interests in travelling, reading and sports, she was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and the Arts community.

Rosemary loved her family and friends and strived to keep strong connections with the Rae and Collin families and family in Scotland. Genealogy was a passion. Relatives from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island and all points in between mourn her loss.

A long-time member of Fort William Baptist Church, Rosemary was a very active and valued member of the congregation, participating in many groups and activities. In 1986 she received the Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding and Dedicated Service. Fully engaged, she learned at age 93 to zoom so she could participate in Mission Board Committee meetings. She lived her faith every day and loved the Lord.

Rosemary is survived by daughter Susan Scowcroft (Brian), son John Collin (Donna), sister-in-law Ruth Rae, nieces and nephews Don Shuttleworth (Charlene), Janice Potter, Kathy Tanner (Paul), Margie Brown, JoAnn Brown (Lee), Marsha Hermanson, Betty Ann Shuttleworth, Wayne Collin, Celine Collin, Dave Rae (Julie), Doug Rae (Lisa), Steve Rae (Jayne), Karen Rae, Nancy Rae (and their extended families), special family friends Quang and Bao Co and daughters Joyce Co (Jordan) and Crystal Co who considered Rosemary to be their Grandmother.

In addition to her husband John, Rosemary was predeceased by brothers Robert and John Rae, sisters-in-law Betty Collin, Virginia Collin, Ann Brown, Margaret Shuttleworth, Celia Collin, Corinne Rae, brothers-in-law William Collin, Saville Shuttleworth, David Collin, John Brown, nephew Bruce Collin, nieces Patti Collin, Jacquie Cimini, and niece Marsha Hermanson’s husband, John.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Thunder Bay Regional Heath Sciences Centre and St Joseph’s Care Group for their compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Our Hearts at Home Campaign (Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/our-hearts-at-home) would be appreciated.
A funeral service will be held at a later date.