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Gertrude Mae Collett (née Cain)

July 18, 2024

Surrounded by loved ones by her side, on Thursday, July 18, 2024, Gertrude Collett of Dorchester, passed away in her 97th year. Wife of Garnet Collett. Loving mother of Karen Rondinelli (John), Ken Fry (Cindy), Rob Fry and Jim Fry. Also loved by her grandchildren Alisha (Mike), Andrew (Steph), Amy (Jeff), Derek, Kelly (Rob), and great-grandchildren Tait, Max, Emmy, Keegan, Paige, Hope, Bennett, Brody, Colton, Griffin, River-Rose and Rebel.

Gertrude loved to dance at a very young age. With tap, jazz and ballet under her belt, Gertrude started her own dance studio at the age of 13. She put on numerous performances, especially for the military with her mother (deceased) accompanying her on the piano. Gertrude lived in Georgetown and Brampton before settling in London. She moved to Dorchester over 30 years ago and was active with the North Dorchester Optimist Club.

Cremation has taken place. A private Celebration of Gertrude’s Life will take place at Northview Funeral Chapel, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London on Saturday, August 17th, 2024. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Gertrude are asked to consider the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, Canadian Cancer Society and Diabetes Canada.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sherri Lynn Kane and the team specializing in Geriatric Medicine from St. Joseph’s Health Care, all the PSW’s that took care of Mom from the start (especially Jenn, Sonia, Renee, and Makayla), the PSW’s who cared for Mom from Closing the Gap (especially Bridgette, Magdalina, Crystal, and Owla), the Homecare Complex Care Team (Nick – Care Coordinator, Terri – NP, and Tania – OT), and Stephanie from VON for Gertrude’s end of life care.

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Our sincere condolences to such a lovely lady!❤️

~ Carolyn and John Naus

My deepest condolences to Karen, John and family, on the loss of such a lovely lady. She was truly the spirit of the Dorchester Optimist Club, helping out and enjoying many great times at events. I loved having little chitchats with her and will miss her dearly. Rest in peace, lovely lady. 🙏

~ Nancie Irving

Our beautiful Nana💕 As I write these words for you, I’m sitting in one of your favourite chairs at one of your favourite places, where I remember what my childhood was. Being with you, whether here at your cottage, or at your home, or on a field trip because Nana Banana always came on my field trips, was always a time of love and happiness and joy and laughter and of memories that I will cherish forever. You continued to make these memories with my children and I am so incredibly grateful that you chose us to be a Nana to, and we are so blessed to have had you in our lives. We love you Nana - you are our sunshine💕

~ Alisha, Mike, Taityn, Maximus & Aemilia

I loved your Mom, she was a real doll and always treated me so warmly. So many beautiful memories. I can easily visualize that gleam in her eyes that she continually carried. God will bless her. Our condolences to you and the family. Mary remembers your Mother and how kindly she treated her.

~ Lawrence and Mary Seymour

Mom. You were the rock that held this family together. Your love for us shone through your eyes when ever you say us. Your grandkids and great-grandkids were your shining stars. They will always have fond memories of the many holidays at your home with the numerous dinners that you prepared especially at Christmas time and showering them with gifts. We will always remember the good times when you took the kids up to the cottage and splashed in the water, rode the sea doo's and played many card games with them. These will be cherished memories. We may have lost you in body and spirit but you will always be in our hearts. We will miss you deeply. We love you so much!!! You are now at peace.

~ John and Karen Rondinelli

Services for Gertrude Mae Collett (née Cain)

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Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners

Canadian Cancer Society

Diabetes Canada

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