COLLINS – Gladys Marian Elsie, 98, of Halifax, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at Parkstone Enhanced Care, Halifax, NS.
Born in Parkstone, Dorset, England, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Elsie (Maidment) Jeffery.
She met Ellery in England while they were serving in the Second World War, and moved to Canada after the war. She was a member of the heroic generation of War Brides who came from Britain in the late 1940s, and enjoyed activities over the years with the Nova Scotia War Brides. Although heartbroken by the death of her 7-year-old son John, and Ellery’s early death in 1987, Gladys’ strength of character and perseverance helped her live a long and satisfying life. She saw many changes in the world, and embraced the best of them. Gladys was amazed and delighted when she could Skype from her new computer in Halifax, with Kati, Stefan and Rosie in France. Mom enjoyed her cottage on the Amherst Shore, travelling, and excelled at many crafts. Gladys was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, and always enjoyed the company of family and friends. We will remember her warmth and her sense of humour.
Mom is survived by daughter Joan (Janos) Kovacs, Edmonton, Alberta; son James Collins, Vancouver, British Columbia; granddaughter Katalin (Stefan Lalonde) Kovacs and great-granddaughter Rosie, of Brest, France; and many nieces and nephews in England and Nova Scotia.
Mom was predeceased by her husband and soulmate, Ellery Collins; young son John Collins; two sisters and a brother in England.
There will be no visitation at the request of the family. A service to celebrate Gladys’ life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at Bethany United Church, 7171 Clinton Avenue, Halifax, Rev. Kevin Little officiating. A private family burial will take place in Milton, Nova Scotia at a later date. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in memory of Gladys may be made to Brunswick Street Mission, brunswickstreetmission.org or 2107 Brunswick Street, Halifax, B3K 2Y8. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Online condolences may be sent to chandlersfuneral.com.
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Kathi Parlee
Joanie and family – I was sorry to read this. Visits from “Aunt Gladys and Uncle Ellery” are a fond memory from my youth, growing up next door to your Brown cousins. My condolences to you all.
Kathi (Harding) Parlee
Wendy Bethune
A wonderful lady has passed. What friends she and Ellery were of my parents ! It was a pleasure having them as our house guests in Brantford when they drove west to see you (J and J )in Edmonton. As my mother’s best friend she was a family favourite; We daughters celebrated our mothers as we dined and danced with them at the National 60th Anniversary War Brides reunion . An amazing evening. Thanks for the memories Mrs. C.
Romelda Brown
Sorry to hear of Gladys passing. My late Husband and I had several visits with Gladys and Elery in our home and at there Cottage. She will be missed and my thoughts are with you at this time.
Rev. rry brewer
On behalf of the members and friends of Milton Baptist Church, we wish to extend our condolences to the family
and friends of Gladys Collins. We pray they will find comfort and peace in knowing her and her loving spirit as they mourn such a loss. We will continue to pray for you and ask the Lord to bless and comfort you during these moments. Rev. terry Brewer and the Milton Baptist Family
Judi & Ken
Joan and family
Our sincere condolences. Your mother, Gladys was a wonderful person. Someone who set a fine example for all. A true lady. So sorry for your loss.
Anne Hotchkis
Dear Joan and family,
I just heard of your mom’s passing yesterday and wish to send you my condolences. I remember her recipe for Clam Balls which I used several times. The beach was a favorite place for all of us. Gladys gave me a collection of shells glued onto a flat piece of sandstone which I have kept on display in my Beach area of the family room. She lived a long life but will surely be missed. I wish you all the best in your life.