Maureen Patricia Ray Mannila (Collins), born May 31, 1940 passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice on May 18, 2026. She was our mother, nanny, great grandmother, friend, and aunt. Mom lived in Nipigon from birth until 1998 when she made the move to Thunder Bay.
We believe the travel bug bit her when she was a young girl travelling with her family on numerous road trips. As an adult she experienced wintering in Florida, trips to both the east and west coasts of Canada, South America, the Caribbean, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, France and England, including some cruising.
She went to King’s Business College at age 16 and at 18 married the handsome young neighbour from down the street, our father Clyde. They brought up 4 children in the bustling little town. Many summers were spent at the Kama Bay family cottage where she would play cards, board games, cook and sauna with her kids and grandchildren.
She was an avid reader and busy young woman working at Domtar, tending to our family, active on the school board, with the Grace United Church, curling and attending a regular consciousness raising group with friends who had many interesting guest speakers. She introduced dad and most of our family to cross country skiing. She was very social and spent lots of time drinking coffee and debating with friends, being entertained and hosting as well. Holidays, especially Christmas, were big events at our decorated house with family and friends. She had an artistic talent that was very much reflected in her paintings and her personal sense of style.
When mom moved to Thunder Bay after retiring from a career at Domtar she joined the Bridge world, made red wine, became active in the volunteer community at 55 Plus, The Alzheimer Society, Trinity United Church (where she met Al Houstoun) and Habitat for Humanity. Live entertainment such as theatre, symphony, events at the auditorium and fine dining were enjoyed. She also worked part time for her daughter at The Co-operators for approximately 11 years.
Maureen was predeceased by her husband Clyde Mannila, her parents Russell and Pat Collins, her brothers Murray, Myrl and Lyle, her grandson – little Russ Mannila, as well as brother and sisters-in-law and, just recently, her wonderful companion of the last 20+ 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 and Emily (Derek). Great grandchildren Madeline, Kyra, Mara, Rhya, Ethan, Cayde, Hanna, Jamie, Lynnea, Lily, Isla, Caelan and Theodore. Also sisters-in law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and many longtime good friends.
A family that she loved and who showed her their love and respect right back until the end.
Thank-you to the many nurses, doctors, specialists and staff involved in mom’s care at the Superior Urology Clinic, TBRHSC, Regional Cancer Care and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Hospice.
Cremation has taken place and a funeral will be held at the Trinity United Church, 30 Algoma St., Thunder Bay, ON on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 1 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Northern Cancer Fund, St. Joseph’s Hospice, Trinity United Church or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
