Pattigail Collins September 9, 1954 - April 13, 2025

The family of Pattigail Collins, age 70 years, of Dryden, ON, is heartbroken to announce her peaceful passing on April 13, 2025 at the Dryden Regional Health Centre with family by her side.

Pattigail (Patti) was born in Dryden on September 9, 1954 to Patricia Collins (Mom) and Francis Collins (Dad). She attended Albert Street School during her primary years, then moved on to Dryden High School for four years and eventually graduated from Lakehead University with a BA in Sociology. Patti was extremely active during her time at DHS, thriving in Athletics. She was a valuable Junior/Senior Volleyball and Basketball team member all four years. Finishing off her Basketball season as NWOSSA champions. Pattigail was also chosen to attend the Camp Couchiching that year. Quite an honour as only one girl and one boy were chosen annually. She was also a member of the DHS Athletic Association.

Pattigail was a valued employee at all of her chosen and diverse career paths. Starting as a lifeguard and swim instructor to many young people over the years at the outdoor pool on St. Charles St. She ran the office at Sheridan Equipment for several years before moving to Emo, ON to work as a Child & Youth Worker with at risk teens. After returning to Dryden, Pattigail worked full-time for many years at Community Living Dryden Sioux-Lookout as a Primary Care Counsellor. Her co-workers and clients absolutely adored her. Next, she took a turn in retail at Mac Print to which she thoroughly enjoyed. It didn’t matter where she was working or what she was doing, she was always a very highly respected employee.

You could often find Pattigial and her dog at the ball diamonds, playing for the Red Eagle in her younger years and cheering on the teams in her later years, keeping those special friends with her until her last days. She loved all sports, the outdoors, and especially the water. She kept a calendar on her wall and recorded when she got in the lake every year, in May. Many of her best years were spent in her cabin at Islandvue where she was surrounded by many friends and family with her welcoming open-door policy. If she wasn’t in her cabin, or visiting with her friends, you can bet she was down at the lake swimming or fishing off the rocks in front of her place, her favorite spot to be. Patti also loved a good bonfire and all who knew and loved her knew her love for hotdogs and mustard…. A LOT of mustard. Whether it be over an open fire, BBQ, ball diamonds, or arenas, she would always look forward to a hot dog.

Patti had many close and loving friends through her life. There was a group of childhood friends who still connected as much as possible called “The Girls of ’54 Club”. She always looked forward to their gatherings, and in her later years, always commented on how good the food was.

Pattigail Collins was predeceased by her mother Patricia Collins and father Francis Collins. She is survived by her brother Brian Collins (Norma), niece Shannon Collins-Grimwood (Craig), great nephew Jesse (Amy) and their children Nova, Grady, Mara, as well as her great niece Taylor. Left to mourn in her memory are many special cousins, near and far, as well as numerous other family and friends.

Patti’s memory will forever be held in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her. She will be missed more than she would have ever imagined.

She was a very private person, and we will be respecting her wishes for no funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please spend time with your loved ones, tell them that they are loved, do a good deed for others, donate your time, hug your friends, and be a good person.