Mary Agnes Pickett Collins

At Hospice Wellington, on Sunday May 2nd, 2021 at the age of 81 years. Beloved wife of Jerry Collins for 61 years. Loving mother of David, Stephen (Angela Fuoco), James (Jennifer), and Karen (Robert Munro).

Cherished grandmother of 7 grandchildren:

Sean (Linn Wie Anderson), Ryan, Dylan, Ethan and Rory Collins, Rachel and Robert Munro.

Mary will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

Mary is survived by her siblings: Austin Pickett (the late Joanne), Gertrude (Dave Tremble), Margaret (Ken Meagher).

Mary dedicated her entire life to family and to volunteering in the community with a passion to help and care for others.

Mary was born in Mount Forest, Ontario to proud parents Marie and Bill Pickett. The family moved to Guelph in 1952 where Mary worked at St. Joseph's Hospital and met Jerry at high school. They married in 1960 and welcomed four children. Mary dedicated herself to staying at home and caring for her family. She started as a volunteer with CMHA in 1961, where she created and later became the Director of the Housing Registry Program, helping to establish a much needed service dealing with mental health in the community.

Over her adult years, Mary volunteered with: the Canadian Mental Health Association; the Guelph Mental Health Crisis Hotline; St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation (past President - Volunteer Association); the Ontario Public Health (Guelph) Community Food Advisor Program, Weight Watchers Canada (Guelph).

In 2019 Mary was the recipient of a Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton Mission Legacy Award, which recognizes key individuals who have contributed in an exceptional manner to the health care ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph Hamilton. The award memory plaque reads ... "Mary is described by teammates as a glowing light. Previously an employee, Mary has now volunteered at SJHCG for 12 years. As Volunteer Association president she excelled; and as a one-on-one visitor, she modeled excellence. Humble, compassionate, and uplifting, Mary is a companion to lonely clients, a comfort to grieving family members, and an encouragement to staff. Always with a smile, Mary makes time to share light with everyone."

Mary will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

A private family Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Church, Guelph, ON., followed by interment in Marymount Cemetery, Guelph. No visitation.

The family would like to thank family physicians Dr. W. Ruddock and Dr. E. Lee for their on-going care; the doctors and nurses who cared for Mary at the Guelph General Hospital; the compassionate caring staff and volunteers at Hospice Wellington, special thanks to the nurses and personal support workers; and to Mike MacIntyre Sr. and staff at the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home.

The Funeral Mass will be streamed on the internet on Friday, May 7th at 11am at the link below.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation or Hospice Wellington would be appreciated by the family. Donation Cards are available at the funeral home 519-821-5077 or online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com