Helen June Collens
Helen June Collens, (June) 86 years old, died peacefully on Sunday, January 1, 2017, in Abbotsford, BC, a pillar of strength even to the end. June was born on September 8, 1930 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Henry and Ivy Lee. The second oldest of 9 beautiful children – Lawrence, Rose, Margaret, Shirley, Kathy, Jean, Wayne and Linda. June was known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers, she made time for everyone no matter her schedule. As a child, she possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten. Married for 52 years, June and Milton raised their 6 dear children, Marie, Carol, Lee, Rob, Joy and Janet. Possessing a true servant’s heart, June faithfully cared for family and friends through delicious cooking / baking from scratch – sewing and crafting. As the heart of the Collens family, and with a real zest for life, June loved to dance, read, play games / cards – especially with her Grandchildren, chat with friends and family, getting together with her friends from T.O.P.S. group and bus trips with her fellow residents at Maplewood House…. just to name a few. Having worked in many different jobs over the years, June was blessed with retirement from the Finance Department of the Correctional Service of Canada where she had worked for 14 years. She loved her job and enjoyed her time spent with her co-workers. June’s work here is done, she received a call for an appointment that she will not be returning from. This assignment comes with a huge signing bonus, a reunion with family and friends that she has not seen in a very long time. Her new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she will be socializing, dancing and reading to her heart’s content. Music, laughter and love are all guaranteed. Her family members are numerous, but mainly include: husband (predeceased) of 52 years Milton Otto Collens, children & partners: Marie (predeceased), Carol (Reg -predeceased), Lee (Shirley), Rob (predeceased) (Diane), Joy (Wayne), Janet (Bill), 13 grandchildren; Michelle, Cyndi, Dean, Chris, Shawn, Bob, Joe, Amanda, Sherry, James, Shane, Todd and Maxine, 17 great grandchildren: Danny, Destinee, Craig, Krista, Alexis, Chantelle, Ethan, Owen, Victoria, Koral, Kyler, Emmett, Autumn, Tyler, Madison, Dustin and Travis, and great great grandson Dawson. There will be a Memorial Service at Matsqui Lutheran Church, 5781 Riverside, Matsqui Flats on January 21, 2017 at 1:30. A luncheon reception will be held following the service at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 33868 Essendene Ave., Abbotsford, BC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Alzheimer’s Society of BC #300 – 828 West 8th Ave., Vancouver, BC V5Z 1E2. Yet, beyond financial donations, June always lived by the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you would like to be treated. i.e. Do a loving act of kindness, make someone laugh, send a card, give a hug, or say “I love you” to your special friend in her memory. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually, but including: family and friends – either through prayer and/or visits, neighbors, and even random acts of kindness through total “strangers”. This is the obituary written, in honor of our dearest Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great Great Grandmother, Sister and Aunt. It is our tribute to her memory, which will be carried on in the legacy of love which is now each of us – the lives she formed and touched by her love.