Emily Collins (née Simundson)

January 18, 1938 – June 29, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Emily Collins, on June 29, 2026, at the age of 88.

Emily leaves to cherish her memory her children: Elaine (Nelson), Mindy, Clyde, Tommy (Audrey), Farin (Joy), Elvis (Tracey), and Randy (Cheryl); her siblings, Jerry (Ann) and Sylvia; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as, many close friends.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert "Manny" Collins; her daughter, Fantine; her siblings, Johnny, Geordie, Albert, and Edna; and her parents, Lucy and Simundur Simundson.

Emily was born in Little Bullhead, Manitoba, and spent most of her childhood growing up nearby in Pine Dock. She met the love of her life, Manny, and they began their life together in Pine Dock. Over the years they also lived in Hecla and Pine Dock before settling in Riverton, where Emily lovingly raised their eight children while Manny was away fishing.

Throughout her life, Emily worked alongside many people in the Riverton community. She was employed at PromoWear, Manitoba Housing, and Chicken Delight—known to many locals simply as "Sophie's." She also devoted countless hours to community service, serving on several boards and proudly remaining the last founding member of the Riverton Friendship Centre. For many years, she was a devoted member of Riverton Fellowship Circle Church, where she also served on the church board.

Emily was well known for her incredible cooking. She always prepared enough food to feed an army, and no one ever left her table hungry. While working at Chicken Delight, customers would often call ahead to find out if Emily was cooking before placing their orders. She made a “Mean Fried Chicken”.

She was also exceptionally talented and creative. Emily handcrafted beautiful leatherwork, including mukluks, moccasins, and gauntlets, and her beadwork was admired by many. She generously shared her knowledge by teaching crafting classes at the Riverton Friendship Centre. Whether she was beading earrings and keychains, decorating cakes, creating fabric photo albums, crocheting, or making countless other handmade treasures, there seemed to be nothing she couldn't create. In recent days, many people have shared stories of how Emily inspired them or taught members of their families these traditional crafts throughout the years. Her generosity, creativity, and willingness to share her talents left a lasting impact on the community she loved.

Above all else, Emily was devoted to her family. She treasured her siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and always welcomed opportunities to spend time with them. Whether she was going out to the cabin in Pine Dock, or having a sleepover with her grandbabies, she was happy to be with them. In her later years, she could often be found watching WWE wrestling—even if it was a rerun and she already knew the outcome. She also

loved a good old western movie. Emily found joy in life's simple pleasures and was happiest when surrounded by those she loved. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at the Riverton Icelandic River Lodge for the compassion and support they provided over the past several years. We also sincerely thank the nurses and health care aides at Arborg Hospital and Personal Care Home for making Emily's final days as comfortable as possible and for providing familiar, compassionate care during her time there.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Riverton Hall. A light lunch will follow, after which the family will proceed to the cemetery for her interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Emily's memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba https://alzheimers.mb.ca