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Colleen Margaret Dalgarno

September 11, 1941 - July 28, 2022

After battling several difficult health challenges, Colleen Margaret Dalgarno passed away peacefully at University Hospital in London, Ontario on Thursday, July 28th, 2022, at the age of 80. Colleen was born in Vancouver, B.C. to Eileen and Harold Turkington on September 11, 1941 and later called London home.

She leaves behind her husband Bill, whom she was married to for 60 years; their children Cheryl and Brad; along with son-in-law Mark (Ellyatt); daughter-in-law Lesley; and grandchildren Jessica, Brandi, Quinn, Sydney and Hannah.

Colleen leaves behind on the west coast her big brother David Turkington (Bev); younger sister Trudine (Bruno Fulde); and was predeceased by older sister Betty (Ron Bannister).  Colleen will also be missed by her best friend since childhood, Elaine Baxter, who was like a sister to her.  She was a wonderful sister-in-law to Jim and Margaret Dalgarno from Kelowna; and an amazing “Auntie Col” to Taryn, Lance, Greg Bannister, Taylor, Carson and Jane Fulde, Todd, Shawn, Tami Turkington, Kevin and Steven Dalgarno; and surrogate aunt to Sharon and Sue Baxter.

She met the love of her life William “Bill” Dalgarno in her teens. It was love at first sight when Colleen answered the door with her steely blue eyes and curlers in her hair.  They married at age 20 and could always be found with family in their spare time. Young or old, Bill and Colleen enjoyed socializing with their nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, until they began their own family.   They moved across the country for Bill’s work while raising Cheryl and Brad and collected many lifelong friends along the way, often through the hockey family.  It was amazing how quickly Colleen could turn a brand-new house into a home and make instant friends with neighbours.

To say that Colleen’s children and grandkids were her pride and joy, would be an understatement.  There is no doubt that her positive energy contributed to the successful hockey career that her son Brad experienced which led him to the NHL. Her pride in his success though, never overshadowed her joy for others.  Her own kin benefited from always having their mom and grandma rooting for them.  This did not end once you reached adulthood!  A call from Grandma could always be expected to provide her with the update she thrived upon if she wasn’t in the stands or in the audience herself.   Everyone’s activity schedule was her schedule.  Furthermore, if you happen to be a friend of her kin, or a neighbour, you also instantly became part of her world.  Her positive energy for others was in abundance.

Colleen and Bill’s home was always a revolving door right from the start.  A welcoming place to be for all.  Colleen made hosting look easy.  Christmas was her specialty.  The more, the merrier.  Their house was regularly filled with good people, music, food and beverages.  A mess was never a problem.  Dancing usually ended the evening.

While raising the family, she always found time to volunteer with groups ranging from the CNIB, to the kids’ schools, to helping with seniors.  She absolutely loved her years working at Canadian Tire, in both Whitby and London, and the job kept her young. She was everyone’s “other” mom, always keeping her door open to anyone. She arrived for work an hour early every day with coffees and treats for everyone.  She didn’t drink coffee herself.  That was Colleen.

In her “retired” years, Colleen was an active member of the Hamilton Road Seniors Center in London. We swear she just thought she was a volunteer there and not a senior herself!  She so enjoyed being part of the social activities, putting on plays, enjoying a game of chair hockey, took part in fitness classes and led the decorating team for all seasonal events.  She loved her time here.

A memorial event will be announced in the near future and we look forward to celebrating her life together.  There will be music and dancing and lots and lots of laughter. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Colleen are asked to consider the Hamilton Road Seniors Centre or the Unity Project.

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Colleen was our beloved Whitby neighbour and friend. We have so many cherished fun-filled memories of impromptu meals and backyard gatherings with neighbours, Bill and Colleen's kids, their friends, and visiting B.C. families. No one could whip up a Sunday roast beef dinner like Colleen. Colleen had such a generous heart and passionate spirit. She was a mother hen who swept us under her wing and made us feel like honourary chicks in her brood. Our hearts are broken, and we are grieving along with Bill and her entire family. Her legacy will live on... all we have to do is embrace and channel our inner Colleen to continue to spread the love and support as she always gave us. Always in our heart, Kim and Carolyn.

~ Kim and Carolyn Erwin

Dear Bill, Cheryl, Brad, & family. The Jackson family want to convey their very sincere condolences to you and the family on the passing of Colleen. We were privy to her great compassion and caring when she hosted us for our first Christmas dinner in Halifax when we were so far away from family and friends. Please know that we want to share your great sorrow in the hopes that it will somehow ease the pain of your loss. Sincerely Paul, Audrey, Kim, Todd, Dale, & Darren.

~ Paul & Audrey Jackson

Our sympathy goes out to you all, Bill ,Brad ,Cheryl & family We were so sad to hear of Coleen’s passing We remember many fun times with you when our kids were young You are in our thoughts Sincerely, Isabel,George,Krista & Derek Hale

~ Isabel Hale

To Bill, Brad Cheryl and families, I was very surprised to read of Colleen’s passing. Since then it has rendered so many funny, happy memories of good times shared as the kids grew up here in London. I know she will be greatly missed by all. She was one exception lady. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Sincerely, Bobbie, Mike, Dave and Duff Vormittag

~ Bobbie Vormittag

Bill and family please accept our deepest condolences with Colleen’s passing. We were so blessed to have to both for Neighbours in kilworth . We still look across the street to this day and remember Colleen and yourself with family always popping over . Colleen was a lovely lady With a lovely family ; and of course we enjoyed her great sense of humor .

~ Ken & Nancy Bennett

Ken and I enjoyed many conversations with Colleen on our small patio. A pleasant and very good natured lady. We know her family has many wonderful memories and hope these memories will help to ease such a heartbreaking loss. Sincerely, Ken & Pat

~ Ken & Pat Lockrey

Love you, bye- The way that Colleen would end our conversations. It was meant for her family but she always made me feel like I was part of it. She had a large Canadian tire family. She kept in contact with many former employees . She knew how they were doing and all of their childrens' names. She loved babies! She just loved people. I have not ever met a nicer person. I will miss having lunch and conversations with her. My condolences to Bill and family. May we all remember how happy she made us. And so I say to Coleen Love you,bye...... Janet

~ Janet Nymann

My heart hurts very much to hear this news. Colleen was such a wonderful person in every way possible. I joined the Canadian tire family very young and its true, Colleen was my work mom! She was there when I met my now Husband, Matthew and helped guide the way to a very successful relationship. I always looked up to her and her family, they were very special people with such warm hearts. I hope they find comfort in knowing how many lives Colleen impacted along the way. Our thoughts and all our love is being sent your way during this difficult time.

~ Samantha(Moore)&Matthew Graystone

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Hamilton Road Seniors Centre

Unity Project

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