COLLINS, Dennise Esther (nee Stonehouse)
It’s with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, Dennise of Cochrane, AB. Beloved wife of Herman Collins of 36 yrs (predeceased 2002). She passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Friday, November 5, 2021 at the Foothills Hospital at the age of 78 years. Dennise was born in Coleman AB on September 13, 1943, where she grew up with her surviving sisters Juanita, Gladys, EsterAnne & Edwina.
She is survived by her four children, Anita Wildman, Wayde (Jayena), Shawn(Kim) and Scott (Amanda) Collins; 18 grandchildren, Steve, Kyla, Lyle, Alanise, Kayley, Karnell, Kassidy, Karson, Warren, Tara, Tashawny, Tyrell, Austin, Travis, Karinda, Dezaray, Augustus, and Oakley; 14 greats, Swaiden, Tosh, Uriah, Yvita, Zyra, Kuris, Hunter, Cooper, Nikyla, Jayley, Odessa, Otira, Sanford, and Esmay; Godchildren, Camille Whitney, Jake, Lewis and Colton Wildman; sisters-in-law, Betty Clarke, Peggy DeMontingy, and Eve Collins; as well as her Traditional adopted family with daughter, Shelly Tymen; sons, Myron Rollinmud, and Lionel (Kim) Wildman; grandchildren, Tyree, Teenan, Taylin & Kenzie Wildman, Jett K, Larissa, Chasity & Bodeen Tymen; sisters, Mina, Nan & Eva Benjamin; as well as several others that called her mom & grandma to numerous to mention just know she loved you all. Dennise was predeceased by her parents, Dennis Stonehouse in 1973; her mother, Annie in 1987; Kurt in 1962; son-in-law, Rick Diggins in 1982; son-in-law, Cody Wildman in 2017; gdaughter, Otavia Beaver in 2017; and traditionally adopted son, Jarvis Simeon 2021.
Dennise grew up in Coleman, AB spending her days going to school, speed skating, roller skating, playing hockey and was champion on the playground playing marbles in the school yard. She talked often of her first job at Waterton Park and the impact it had on her life. Raising her kids in Coleman, Saddleridge, Cremona, Turner Valley & Morley. She went on to work many jobs but loved her job at Chiniki Resturant in Morley, AB amongst the Nakoda people for 27 years, when she took early retirement at age 61 and moved to Cochrane.
She loved to travel and was often seen on the Gymkhana & Rodeo Trails with Herman, where she made numerous friends. She was often hired as a Timer at these events. Her favorite vacation by far was finally seeing Alaska and she talked of it often and the adventures she had there. Dennise was an amazing cook and baker and there were fights over disappearing flapper pie often happened at family functions. And we couldn’t wait for our special desserts to take home. Dennise was a gifted storyteller and would often tell a story with a straight face while the room roared in laughter. She had an amazing sense of humour and was up for any kind of practical joke. Her laughter could light up a room. We will be forever grateful for her loving patience, her profound wisdom.
We send special thanks to Dr. lombin, Foothills hospital Unit41B and Unit36 for the care of Dennise. As per her wishes, the family will gather in private ceremony at a later date for a Celebration of her Life.
We ask for those that knew her to find closure in remembering her in your own special way. To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Dennise, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
