Maureen Patricia Ray Mannila (Collins), who was born on May 31, 1940, passed away quietly at St. Joseph’s Hospice on May 18, 2026. She was a loving mother, nanny, great grandmother, friend, and aunt. Mom lived in Nipigon from the day she was born until 1998 when she moved to Thunder Bay.
We think her love for travel started young during family road trips. As an adult, she spent winters in Florida and visited both the east and west coasts of Canada as well as South America, the Caribbean, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, France and England-sometimes even going on cruises.
At just 16 years old, she attended King’s Business College and married our handsome neighbor Clyde when she turned 18. Together they raised four children in their lively little town. Many summers were enjoyed at the family cottage at Kama Bay where she’d play cards and board games or cook while enjoying saunas with her kids and grandkids.
An enthusiastic reader and busy individual, she worked at Domtar while also managing our family life. She took part in school board activities, engaged with Grace United Church members, curled regularly and participated in a consciousness-raising group with friends featuring interesting guest speakers. She introduced Dad and many of us to cross-country skiing too. A social butterfly by nature, Mom loved drinking coffee with friends while sharing debates or hosting gatherings at our home filled with decorations especially during holidays like Christmas.
After retiring from Domtar and moving to Thunder Bay, she embraced bridge playing and winemaking while becoming actively involved in volunteer work at 55 Plus, The Alzheimer Society, Trinity United Church (where she met Al Houstoun), as well as Habitat for Humanity. She enjoyed live performances such as theatre productions or symphony events along with fine dining experiences too. For about eleven years she even worked part-time for her daughter at The Co-operators.
Maureen was preceded in death by her husband Clyde Mannila; her parents Russell and Pat Collins; her brothers Murray, Myrl and Lyle; her grandson – little Russ Mannila; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; as well as recently losing her dear companion of over twenty years – Al Houstoun.
She is survived by her daughter Melissa; sons Russell; Lindsay (Celeste); Brendan; daughter-in-law Annette; grandchildren Jessica (Justin); Zachary; Ramsey (Sam); Stacey (Tyler); Kelsey (Greg); Coty (Rena); Cameron; Emily (Derek) along with great-grandchildren Madeline; Kyra; Mara; Rhya; Ethan; Cayde; Hanna; Jamie; Lynnea; Lily; Isla; Caelan and Theodore. Additionally there are sisters-in-law , brothers-in-law , nieces , nephews , plus many long-time good friends.
A family that adored her just as much as she cherished them until the very end.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the nurses , doctors , specialists , and staff who cared for Mom at Superior Urology Clinic , TBRHSC , Regional Cancer Care along with St. Joseph’s Hospital & Hospice.
Cremation has already taken place. A funeral will be held at Trinity United Church located at 30 Algoma St., Thunder Bay ON on Tuesday June 30th ,2026 starting at 1 pm.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Northern Cancer Fund , St. Joseph’s Hospice , Trinity United Church or any charity you prefer.
Condolences can be sent through www. nwfainc. com
