Eileen Georgina "Georgie" COLLINS

Eileen Georgina "Georgie" COLLINS obituary

Eileen Georgina "Georgie" COLLINS

Eileen COLLINS Obituary

Published by Calgary Herald on May 6, 2017.

COLLINS, Eileen Georgina "Georgie"
June 12, 1925 – Calgary, Alberta
May 3, 2017 – Calgary, Alberta
The final curtain closed on the life and times of Georgie (Georgina) Collins on the evening of May 3, 2017. Although Georgie expressed sadness at her departure she will be forever grateful for all of the supporting players who enriched her life. She cherished the many shared stages, special gifts and most importantly, the memories of all of those whom she encountered in her 91 years of brilliance, on and off of the stage.
Georgie Collins was born in Calgary, Alberta in 1925. Her parents Elizabeth and George Given moved to Debolt, Alberta and homesteaded while growing their family. Georgie married her loyal husband and best friend Allen Collins in 1943 and they soon started a family of their own. Their son Allen (Ron) Collins was born May of 1949, followed by daughter Debi Jones (Bruce) in June of 1952. With the marriage of son Allen to Gail Jones, Georgie welcomed the birth of her first grandson, whom she adored, Chris Collins (Linda). After the untimely passing of Allen in 1976, Gail remained as a treasured daughter-in-law and later remarried Arnott Thomson, adding to Georgie's ever-growing cast of beloved family. In the years to follow, Georgie was thrilled to welcome the addition of two granddaughters, Whitney (Cobra) Collins and Quinn Greenawalt, as well as great-grandchildren Brady Collins and Keltie Kramer, who were the joy and blessing of her retired years.
Georgie moved to Calgary in 1966; this move was the beginning of her lifelong career and passion as a pioneer for theatre and the arts. Georgie was a founding member of the Mac Club, Workshop 14 and is credited as being the driving force in bringing ACTRA to Calgary. Over her remarkable career, Georgie was honoured with numerous awards including The Martha Cohen Award and an Alberta Achievement Award. She took the position as Artistic Director of Pleiades Theatre from 1976 until retirement in 1990, building a very successful mystery theatre company that later would evolve into the well-recognized Vertigo Theatre.
She now joins those who have exited before her. Her honoured parents; her dear son, Allen (Ron) Collins; brothers, Robert Given, Ed Given, Wesley Given; and sister, Lil Forbes.
Better by far you should forget and smile, than that you should remember and be sad.
"Thank you Mr. God for a wonderful life" - Georgie Girl
Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB) on Monday, May 15, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the funeral home. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alex, "Pathways to Housing, Charity number 132824905RR0001. http://www.thealex.ca/donate/.
In living memory of Georgie Collins, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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May 3, 2018

Lynn Jones posted to the memorial.

May 29, 2017

Lon Parker posted to the memorial.

May 12, 2017

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15 Entries

Lynn Jones

May 3, 2018

It was one year ago that you left us. I was so blessed to have been with you at that moment. I think of you always and I miss you every day. Love forever, Lynn

Lon Parker

May 29, 2017

For three summers in the 80's, Georgie allowed me the pleasure performing as Chris Wren in The Mousetrap. It was a wonderful experience, and Georgie, I will never forget it.

May 12, 2017

While visiting Georgie at Walden, I was fortunate to meet her only surviving brother Albert (Ab) with his wife Gail of Edmonton, AB. They drove down a few times each year to visit Georgie. Their son Bob & wife Jeannie made the trip more than once from Knoxville, TN. So comical to hear Auntie Georgie stories from Bob. & stories of Georgie in her childhood years from her brother Ab. Georgie always spoke fondly of Grande Prairie, AB. That's where it all started. She loved to talk about it .... theatre. Way back when.

We all miss you Georgie

Everytime I see white butterfly .... I think of you Georgie ... & I smile.

Lynn Jones, Calgary, AB

Randy Bradshaw

May 12, 2017

I had the very distinct pleasure of working with Georgie on three different television projects. She was a completely professional actress, but equally important she was a very sweet woman who embodied the ideal of a giving artist who brought friendship and humour to work with her each day.
Georgie, you will be kept among us by the many memories we share.

Dianne Goodman

May 11, 2017

I have such great memories of working with Georgie "back in the day" at ATP. I adored her and her sense of fun and eagerness to play.A true gem of our theatre community!

Margaret + Larry Westbrook

May 10, 2017

Georgie sparked our life-long passion for all Agatha Christie plays, particularly "The Mousetrap", which we have seen about 15 times in various provinces and overseas. We first met Georgie at the Pleiades Theatre, where we had front-row seats for many years. Truly, she was the Grand Dame of live theatre; such a sincere passionate lady who will be missed.

May 8, 2017

Georgie was my neighbor 10+ yrs ago. We had some crazy & fun times. I was her constant & true friend visiting her 3-4x a week for 2 yrs at Walden. I spent her last 2 birthdays & Christmas' alone with her. I was so honored to be in private with her on the evening of May 03 when she decided to leave this world. Before she left, I recited the plaque that she gave me a decade ago ....''A friend is someone who reaches for your hand & touches your heart''.

Lynn 'from Deer Run', Calgary, AB

David Evans

May 8, 2017

Calgary has lost another true Calgarian. Ed Given would always have a story about what crazy things that she was doing, with a deep sense of love.
RIP Georgie

Greg Gale

May 7, 2017

Georgie we will miss you dearly. I loved your humour, your kindness, your inclusiveness, wonderful descriptive stories and your beautiful recitation of wonderful poems. Especially 'In Flanders Field'
Will miss you my dearest and most loved friend.
To all of Georgie's family our deepest sympathies.
Greg & Russ

Lissa Swanson

May 7, 2017

Dear Debbie
So sorry to hear about your Mom, but have such great memories with your mom and mine.
Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.

Barb Dickinson

May 7, 2017

The world has lost a wonderful brilliant woman with such a wicked sense of humour.
It was a pleasure to meet up with her once again at MacKenzie Towne and listen to her hilarious stories. I will never again look at the colour yellow again without thinking about about Georgie Collins, the Grand Dame of Calgary theatre. Thanks for the chuckles.

Anne and Terry Hensel and Morgan

May 7, 2017

I will always remember her at Debi's Boxing Day bingo and the fun she always put in our St. Patricks day get together..her laughter and sense of humour..condolences to all family..she will be truly missed..Anne and Terry..Summerland BC

Janet Seymour

May 6, 2017

Debbie....Remembering all the wonderful times Lissa and I took our Gramma's to the Planetarium for the great plays. Your mother was a very special lady! Great memories. Thinking of you and yours.

Paul Jolicoeur

May 6, 2017

Dear, sweet Georgie. We had some laughs, didn't we? You are one of the best, one of the "good guys", one of the ones I'll be looking for down the road. Peace dear pal...peace dear Lady.

Trish Henry

May 6, 2017

I will always remember her smile, awesome sense of humour, the ability to command a room just by entering it, and stories of her experiences.
If she loved you, you knew it.
I feel honoured to have known her, she will forever have a special place in my heart.
Debi and family, sending you strength and love

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McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes - Fish Creek Chapel

14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3

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Sign Eileen COLLINS's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 3, 2018

Lynn Jones posted to the memorial.

May 29, 2017

Lon Parker posted to the memorial.

May 12, 2017

Someone posted to the memorial.