Obituary of Cheryl Frances Collings

COLLINGS, Cheryl Frances (nee Lowles)

May 16, 1966 – June 1, 2021

It isn’t the date on either end that counts, but how she used her dash.  For that dash between the dates represents all the time she spent alive on Earth and now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.

Cheryl loved her family and home.  It was only fitting that she spent her last days there with her family at her side with all the comforts that she would so willingly provide to someone else. She passed away peacefully on June 1, 2021 having just turned 55. Cheryl had an incredible zest for life and was always busy planning activities for her family, friends, coworkers and neighbours.  Cheryl used her amazing amount of energy to seize every day and make everyone’s day more interesting.  Many friends received a phone call and invitation to join her on her many adventures.  
“Hey I am doing this….Do you want to join?”

She is survived by and will be deeply missed by her husband Glen and their 4 sons: Benjamin, Oliver, Calvin and Luke. She lived her life for her family and provided them with as many experiences as she could possibly fit in. She lived life to its fullest and wanted everyone to be included.

Cheryl was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma on August 12, 2020.  She fought a valiant fight with dignity and grace.  Always keeping her family first and foremost in her mind. If you could beat this with a positive attitude Cheryl would still be with us.

Cheryl was born in Windsor Ontario to Harry and Francoise (nee Van Elsen).  She was the youngest of 3 children.  She is predeceased by her oldest brother Harry (Rick) and her parents Harry and Francoise. Her brother Robert is left to carry on the Lowles traditions.

Cheryl chose the profession of caring for others as a registered nurse.  She blessed us with her abundance of knowledge for 30 years.  The last 18 years she worked as a mother/baby nurse, first at St Joseph’s Hospital then at London Health Sciences Centre.  She enjoyed her work with new babies, moms and dads.  She was a mentor to many and was well regarded by her peers.

Cheryl was a planner, organizer, photographer, traveler, explorer, hiker, cyclist and kayaker.  She always tried to include as many people as she could in her plans, often bringing different groups together for a common activity.  Many days were spent on local trails and rivers smiling as she discovered new sites and making new memories when she returned to the well-known spots. She would always ensure she captured the special moments of her adventures by taking photos. She has many photos of the boys as they grew up with all the activities they shared as a family. 

Cheryl enjoyed scrap-booking and her photos ended up artistically displayed. She enjoyed getting together with her scrap-booking pals, a group of nurses that met twice a year for weekend getaways.  Her pals often commented that she would spend time and share her knowledge and talent to the point where everyone else would finish their projects before Cheryl.

Cheryl loved her family road trips.  She ensured her boys were able to experience the adventure of travel and share her love for exploring.  Cheryl’s road trips took her family to both ends of the Trans-Canada highway and many places in the U.S.A.   She also travelled to England.  One of her favorite trips was to Thailand with her brother Rob.

In memory of Cheryl take a trip, plant a seed and take a picture..