In Memory of Stella Jane Collier (née Mason)
Stella passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at The Ottawa Hospital (Civic).
Stella is survived by her loving husband John, whom she was married to for 65 years. Stella will be missed by her three children and their families: Helen Collier and her husband Jean-François Bertrand, their children Paméla (husband Marc-André Poulin) and Thomas (fiancée Harshita Bhayana). Also Jennifer and her husband Steven Wabnitz, their children, Megan, Zach, Vita, Sarah (husband Leo Wendering), Louie and Samuel. And also Peter and his wife Cheryl Collier, their three sons Jacob, Andrew and Charlie.
John and Stella immigrated to Canada in 1966 in search of a new land where they could grow and prosper. They travelled from sea to shining sea. She was professionally trained as a caterer. She ran a catering business for many years, and then a bakery and tearoom. After their working years were behind them, they settled in Ottawa to live near their eldest daughter Helen and her family. They attended St. Helen’s church and made a very close circle of friends.
Stella always aimed to do the best job she could. She sewed beautiful quilts and wall hangings. She gave them away as presents. She created very delicious meals to serve to all her guests. No one ever left her table hungry.
Stella had a very keen passion for dogs. Her own dogs, the neighbor’s dogs, the kids’ dogs, any old dog with a tail. Dogs loved her too… she made biscuits, she made neckerchiefs, she made them welcome.
Books were another important aspect of her life. Her Father encouraged her to learn as much as she could, and she did. She read about everything! She read novels, cookbooks, travel guides, whatever she could find.
Stella Jane was a lady to be admired. She gave her best effort to whatever task she was doing. She presented herself with pride. She loved her family, and they loved her. She will be missed but certainly not forgotten.
A funeral service will be conducted at St. Helen’s Anglican Church on Sat. April 12th at 2:00 pm. The church is located at 1234 Prestone Drive, Orleans. If you would like to make a donation to honor Stella, you can do so on the church website. You can watch the service via livestream from the church website: https://sthelens.ca/newsite3/st-helens-live-streaming/
Stella ‘s gift of hospitality ensured that our two families joined as we became family on this side of the ocean, enjoying years of holiday celebrations together. Our moms’ friendship was an example to us of women doing life together. Stella was a stellar hostess and her use of her spiritual gift blessed each of us. Now she gets to sit and celebrate at the Table the Lord has prepared for her. Hallelujah at the thought that we will share a meal around His table one day again. Love to you all. Alison
Helen and I send our sincere condolences to John as well as to the family. Stella was a wonderful friend and I will always cherish the quilt she gave.
Our heartfelt sympathy to John & family. I will always treasure the pillow Stella designed for me – my special keepsake of her – rest in Peace in God’s Presence, Stella.