Obituary of Dawn Leanne COLLINGS (nee Tomlinson)

June 9, 1966 – Calgary, Alberta
April 15, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Dawn Collings passed away in Calgary, Alberta, on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at the age of 53 from complications related to breast cancer. Dawn had been bravely battling the disease for ten years and we are incredibly proud of her strength and determination in never giving up the fight – regardless of how difficult things were.

Dawn was born in Calgary, Alberta, to John and Darleen Tomlinson on June 9, 1966. Growing up in Brentwood, she went to William Aberhart High School and went on to graduate from the business program at Mount Royal University. She worked for many years in the oil and gas industry in various accounting roles, most recently at ExxonMobil/Imperial Oil. She took pride in her work and helped to train many individuals entering the industry given her extensive experience. 

Her biggest achievements always centered around life with her family and friends. She was a keen scrapbooker of all of the family’s memories and was best-known for putting on creative and dramatic events. She was a skilled chef and crafter and often reminded us that Martha Stewart had nothing on her. An avid collector, she had an impressive collection of Clive Cussler novels, stuffed teddy bears, and Cherished Teddies. She loved the colour blue, country music, iced tea (Nestea Light) and going to the spa.

Dawn’s passion and pride for her family extended to all of her children’s interests and activities. She actively volunteered in the community and schools through coaching, fundraising, and in leadership roles. She was her children’s biggest fan at hockey, ringette, volleyball, dance, badminton, soccer, and track. She was known for loudly voicing her encouragement at games and had nicknames for her kids including ‘Chick’ and ‘Slick’. Darcy was always ‘Warren’ if things weren’t going quite right. When she didn’t like something that someone may have said or done, she would often tell them to ‘bite me!’ She hated ‘flappies’ and didn’t really like hugs but she always made a lasting impression.

Always putting others before herself, she used her energy, creativity, and feistiness to make a positive impact on all the lives that she touched.

Dawn was happiest at home but her favourite places in the world were the lake and Maui. She got the most joy from spending time with family and close friends at these places, enjoying the sun, the beach, and the water.

She is most remembered for being an incredible and selfless wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and great friend.

In her personal life, professional life, and through many of the health challenges she faced, she epitomized the saying ‘Woman Up!’ and she often reminded us that ‘Life is a Special Occasion!’

We love you so much!

Dawn is survived by her husband Darcy; children, Matthew and Paige; sister Dayle Armstrong; nephew Dalton Armstrong; niece Darby Armstrong, as well as her parents John and Darleen Tomlinson.

A private visitation will be held in the next few days, but a ‘Dawn-style’ Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date for all family and friends to enjoy. 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 – 99th Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Dawn’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com

Her family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Marc Webster and the staff of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.

In living memory of Dawn Collings, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3,   Telephone: 403-241-0044.