VANESSA COLLINS

Condolences & Memories (43 entries)

• OMG! We just learned of Vanessa's passing through a mutual friend. We are devastated by the news. We knew Vanessa when she was very, very young, a featherweight. The wound will heal in time but the scar remains forever. We are so sorry, Nelson and Sonja. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. - Posted by: Garth & Karen Palanuk (Friends from a past life) on: Dec 20, 2015

• Thinking of Vanessa today, the day she was called home one year ago. May love and light continue surround you Vanessa, your son, and your family. <3 - Posted by: Giovanna (Friend) on: Jul 12, 2014

• I just learned of Vanessa's passing and I wish to extend to you Nelson, Sonja and Rachael my deepest sympathies. She was a vibrant young woman when I knew her. Her son is a treasure to you all, I'm sure. - Posted by: Monique Desrosiers (Friend) on: Jun 03, 2014

• I just found out about Vanessa's passing less than an hour ago. I'm just in shock at how such a great person can be just taken. I lost touch with Vanessa for quite a few years but we were great friends/neighbors for a few life changing years. She brought great memories to everyone and always loved a good pun. Too much to say but I can tell from everyone else's sentiments that they know what I mean.... Rest in Peace Vanessa. - Posted by: Scott Bouska (Friend) on: Apr 07, 2014

• Two hundred & five days have passed How many times can a heart break I asked The answer came as no surprise Your heart will break each day you rise. - Posted by: Sonja Crawford (Mother) on: Mar 04, 2014

• Vanessa........... What can I say about you? Well we were great friends in high school and after, and I am extremely grateful that I met you! When a song comes on that we used to "bust out too" I will forever remember our good times! And you! The bar, your Dad's backyard, BK!!!!!! Man the world truly lost an awesome person. Thank you for letting me be a part of it. I love you my friend and I will see you again. - Posted by: Chantal Kalyniuk (Friend) on: Aug 15, 2013

• You were the joy in our lives and the song in our hearts. You showed us the magic of the Unicorns and the grace of the butterflies. You gave us the honour of sharing in your life. Everlasting love Mum and Mike - Posted by: Mum & Mike (Mother & Step Father) on: Aug 02, 2013

• It was just a month ago when Vanessa came to visit her grandparents with Sonja. We had the pleasure of Vanessa visiting us and we laughed and talked about good times! We were very shocked and saddened to hear she passed away. Our deepest condolences go out to her family - her son Brett, Mom Sonja & Mike, Dad Nelson & Judy, Sister Rachel, Grandparents John & Jutta. She was so happy and content with Brett and how she marveled over "chef" Marcus' great creations. Her smile and laugh were unforgettable and she was so full of life. Vanessa, you touched so many hearts especially ours, we will always hold a part of your memory with us. Your spirit will live on through others. - Posted by: Faith, Mark, Saxon & Sasha Ling (Friends of Vanessa and Sonja's Family) on: Jul 20, 2013

• I met Vanessa and her amazing son Brett about 3 yrs ago. She had the most amazing smile and such a warm heart. Her love for Brett was unconditional. Her son and my son were best of friends in day care together. I am so sorry for the family loss and although she is gone too soon from this world she is at peace with our creator. She will be forever missed! Until we meet again vanessa........ - Posted by: Christina (Friend and college) on: Jul 19, 2013

• Sonja and Mike - My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. My heart is so sad when I think of this past week and ongoing days for you. Reading the many tributes to Vanessa make it clear to me that she, indeed, shared the vitality, the caring nature, and the joie de vivre of her mother. Although I did not know Vanessa I readily felt the outpouring of love with the recounting of so many special memories. May you keep your memories of Vanessa alive within you and share them with her precious son, Brett, as he grows. - Posted by: Carol Potter (former co-worker of Sonja's and Mike's) on: Jul 18, 2013

• My deepest condolences. Sonja my heart breaks for you and your family. Please know you are in my prayers. - Posted by: Brandi Taylor (Friend) on: Jul 18, 2013

• Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am at your loss. Sonya and Mike, your memories of Vanessa will be her lifeline to you during this time and her remembered laughter will be with you always. - Posted by: Chris Swain (Friend) on: Jul 17, 2013

• My thoughts, heart and prayers are with her mother, father, family, friends and little Bret especially. Vanessa was but a wonderful, kind person always a great positive attitude to be surrounded with and contributed greatly to my life, your smile will be missed. - Posted by: Yan Nault (client) on: Jul 17, 2013

• Sonja, Rachael, Nelson We are shocked and saddened to hear this tragic news. We have many fond memories of Vanessa. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. From all the Kennedy's at 10 Fennbark Place - Posted by: Gary, Sue, Lisa, Robbie Kennedy (Neighbour) on: Jul 16, 2013

• Every time I think of Vanessa, I can hear her voice saying Hey Girl! The news of her passing is such a shock. I will miss her very much. - Posted by: Trish Woodfield (Friend) on: Jul 16, 2013

• We wish to convey our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Vanessa. For some reason God took you away from us way too soon but we will be forever grateful that we had the pleasure to have you in our lives. You touched us in so many ways from helping us plan our wedding and sharing that special day with us to giving us a beautiful nephew. Please rest easy knowing we will treat Brett as our own and share with him how beautiful and full of life you were. Rest in peace Vanessa, you will always be in our hearts. - Posted by: Mike and Jamie Rothenburger (Brett's Uncle and Auntie) on: Jul 16, 2013

• We knew Vanessa as a young child and remember a sweet, lovely little girl. This is an unspeakable tragedy for all. There are no words to express how sad we are for your loss Sonja and Nelson. - Posted by: Kathy and Norm Greenlay (Former friends of Sonja and Nelson) on: Jul 16, 2013

• We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Unfortunately we never had the pleasure of knowing Vanessa but it is very apparent that she was a remarkable young lady and her passing will be felt by all who knew her. You are in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Bob & Debora Rudman (Bob was childhood friend of Nelson & Sonja.) on: Jul 16, 2013

• It is so incredibly sad to lose someone so young and wonderful. I didn't know Vanessa but as neighbours of Nelson and Judy we heard all about her. All these tributes here show her to be such an amazing person. I wish I could have known her better. I do remember seeing Vanessa chasing Brett around in Grandpa's back yard and I can't help but shed a tear for that poor little boy. As we must go on... I can see he has a great number of family and friends who love him and will always keep the memory of his 'mommy' alive in him. Anything we can do Judy and Nelson, please let us know. - Posted by: Karen & Will Nissen (neighbours) on: Jul 16, 2013

• Vanessa never forgot people and relationships and no matter how much time passed, she was always so pleased to see you and visit. I will never forget our long wonderful chat one warm spring day at Red River and can only wish it wasn't the last one. My deepest condolences to all family and friends in your devastating loss of such a bright star. - Posted by: Cynthia Lone (friend of Nelson) on: Jul 16, 2013

• I have been searching for you for quite some time and am heart broken to have found you this way. My best friend of many years, I love you and we have many amazing memories from our childhood. R.I.P my dear friend - Posted by: dayna Stubbs (Best friend) on: Jul 16, 2013

• Sonja & Mike. My deepest condolences to you and your entire family on the loss of Vanessa. There is absolutely no words to express the sorrow that you are feeling. Please note that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. Sonja, Mike; Debbie will keep a watch over her, I promise you that! - Posted by: Kelly Roy (Co-worker to Sonja) on: Jul 16, 2013

• My heart truly aches for Vanessa's family and friends, and especially for lil Brett. Vanessa was such a beautiful person inside and out. She was so much fun to be around, and had this way of lighting up the room with her beautiful smile, and contagious laughter. She has left us way too soon I will always think of you Vanessa, may your soul be at peace. XOXO - Posted by: Melissa Blais(Gow) (Friend/co-worker) on: Jul 16, 2013

• My thoughts are with your family, especially your little man. Feels like just yesterday we were catching up with our kids playing in the living room. You were an amazing woman, and though you may be gone, you will never be forgotten. Rest in Paradise. - Posted by: Courtney (Friend) on: Jul 16, 2013

• This is a sad day for all of us at Little Saints Learning Center. Vanessa came to our child care center as a parent; but has left us as a friend. You didn't have to spend much time with Vanessa before you were laughing about one thing or another. Vanessa always took an active role here at Little Saints Learning Center. As a Board Member Vanessa was always ready to help out in any way she could. We dreamt big together in our plans around the center. I promise to follow through on all the plans we made Vanessa. I will miss our morning chats and your laughter that could fill a room. May you fly free now and watch over all your loved ones from above. You will forever be missed. - Posted by: Candice Savage (Friend) on: Jul 16, 2013

• Vanessa was a good friend for many years to me. After hearing of her passing, so many memories have been swirling around in my head. Chitty Chitty bang bang, clap for the wolf man, mmmm sugar daddy are just a few words that bring happy memories flooding back to me. She wore her heart on her sleeve and touched the hearts of all those around her. My heart breaks for her son and the rest of her family during this time of loss. Know that my family and I have you all in our thoughts. - Posted by: Jason Gigian (Friend) on: Jul 16, 2013

• Sonja and Nelson, I am so very sorry you have suffered this terrible loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Janis Barker (nee Turner) () on: Jul 15, 2013

• Being friends with Rachael for many years, we saw Vanessa on few occasions, the last being the festivities surrounding Rachael and Diano's wedding. In these moments together, we saw her love and zest for life, and her absolute joy for her son, Brett. Words can never express the sincere sorrow we feel in learning about Vanessa's passing. We extend our sympathies to everyone in Vanessa's family, and to people who Vanessa considered family. May her memories give you strength at this time. Much love to all of you. - Posted by: Giovanna and Karl (Friends of Rachael) on: Jul 15, 2013

• I had the pleasure of getting to know Vanessa through her volunteer work on the Board of Directors at Little Saints Learning Centre. We worked very closely together through some difficult situations. She was always there to talk through the rough stuff and to roll up her sleeves and pitch in. Her absence at the Centre is already noticed, as she has left a gaping hole. It was clear to me how much she loved Brett, and was a 100% devoted to him. He would often accompany us at our monthly board meetings, sitting there eating his supper. If he was misbehaving, all she had to do was give him "the look"! It was obvious that the two of them had the same mischevious spirit and infectious giggle. I will miss you Vanessa. Although your time here was short, you have made an impression on me that will last forever. I will think of you often. - Posted by: Angie Conrad (Friend) on: Jul 15, 2013

• We both had the pleasure of working with Vanessa at The Fort Garry. Vanessa was a lovely young lady and never ceased to amaze us with her boundless energy and endless smile. We were saddened to learn of her passing and just want to express our sincere condolences to her family, son Brett and to Marcus. She will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Cherie and Helen (Former coworkers ar The Fort Garry) on: Jul 15, 2013

• My heart aches for the family of Vanessa Collins, who passed away much too soon. She worked with me at the Dakota Hotel and was an absolute sweetheart. She was only 32, just a sad sad time for everyone who knew her. My thoughts are with her family and her 3 yr. old son. No words can express my sadness. You WILL be missed Nessa. - Posted by: Denise Wood (Friend) on: Jul 15, 2013

• My heart is broken to think of the pain you must be suffering now. Know that you are in my thoughts Sonja, Nelson and families. - Posted by: Marjorie Doyle (Gerrard) (Former friend of Sonja and Nelson) on: Jul 15, 2013

• My sincere condolences in this time of sorrow. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Sam Powell (Cousin of Nelson Collins) on: Jul 15, 2013

• Our family was fortunate enough to have formed a wonderful friendship with Vanessa as a result of our boys Jett and Brett attending Little Saints Learning Centre. Each time Vanessa would drop Brett at day care Jett was anxiously awaiting his hugs from Vanessa and Brett and vice versa! Our little guy Jett is definitely going to miss his hugs from Vanessa! Our hearts are broken for Brett and the entire family. I had the pleasure of working with Vanessa as a board member at Little Saints Learning Centre as well connecting with the boys outside of day care. Our family will truly miss you Vanessa. - Posted by: Marcy, Barclay and Jett Larner (Brett's Best Buddie) (Friends) on: Jul 15, 2013

• Vanessa was a fun loving free spirit. I will cherish the many adventures we had together with Chantal. She was an old soul who had a way with people that I never understood. I have so many memories of her....when she knocked out her front teeth on Halloween... when she called me from a pay phone while she was standing in front of the Eiffel tower in Paris.....laying in the grass at St. vital park.....driving around in Lu's red neon...sharking a couple of guys in a pool game.....the corn maze.... and many others. She was the perfect side kick to all my endeavors. I will continue to know her in spirit. I send love and blessings to her family at this time. My heart breaks for her son Brett. I send all my love to him. See you soon Vanessa. - Posted by: Rachel DeHart (friend ) on: Jul 15, 2013

• I am so shocked and sad to hear about Vanessa's passing. I'm out of town right now and a mutual friend forwarded me this passage. She was my old buddy from elementary school that I always think fondly of and only a few weeks ago reconnected in a grocery store and made plans to go out! She was still just as vivacious as she was in junior high and I will not forget the way she spotted me in the grocery store. It lifted my spirits immediately and brought me back to those giggly days! I'm sorry that I'm not in town to attend the funeral, but please accept my love and condolences and many many hugs. I can't really believe it, but may God give your family all the strength and courage you require and look after her gorgeous son who I saw was so loved by her mommy. I thank Vanessa for blessing me with her silliness and smiles and all the good times we had. I'm sure she's touched many other lives in the same way. Thank you Vanessa. - Posted by: Shaheen (Friend) on: Jul 15, 2013

• I am stunned to learn that Vanessa has passed on. I will always remember her strength of character, her smile and often her maturity beyond her years as a teenager. Truly a bright light has left us. Vanessa, you will always remain very dear to my heart. God speed sweetheart. - Posted by: Maura Mathurin (Family friend) on: Jul 15, 2013

• I am deeply saddened for her family and son she be with God now and the angels too - Posted by: Antionetta Blanchard (L knew vanessa and Sonja Crawford) on: Jul 15, 2013

• There are no words to convey our heartfelt condolences to Vanessa's family. We are deeply saddened by your loss. We will remember Vanessa for her fun-loving personality, kindness and that great smile! A smile she always had for you whether she saw you daily at the office or just in passing for a brief moment. She always made time to connect with those around her. The road ahead will be long and difficult some days without her here in body, but you (and especially Brett) will always be surrounded by her spirit...and loving friends to remind you of all your happy memories. - Posted by: Amber & Rob Anderson (friends) on: Jul 15, 2013

• It is difficult to grasp the fact that this beautiful young woman is no longer with us. I will forever cherish her spirit, her sense of humour, her generosity and her zest for life. She is truly one of God's angels. My heart breaks for her family and loved ones. - Posted by: Maureen Sullivan (Family friend) on: Jul 15, 2013

• I had the great honor of meeting Vanessa and having her impact my life. She was vivacious and full of life and laughter I wish I had more time to know her and that is a regret that I will carry for a long time. But in the short time I knew her she truly truly made an impression and I will miss her. - Posted by: Dede () on: Jul 15, 2013

• Rest in paradise auntie Vanessa. - Posted by: Melissa and jace (Nephew) on: Jul 15, 2013

• I had the pleasure of working with Vanessa years ago at the Dakota Hotel and we had many great conversations outside of work as well. I hadn't seen Vanessa in a while however I will always remember her infectious laugh and her smile that lit up the room. She was so full of life and was a very kind and caring person. I am deeply saddened for her family and friends, especially her son, and send my sincere condolences their way. May she rest in peace and forever be in all our hearts. - Posted by: Lynden Maxwell (Co-worker/Friend) on: Jul 15, 2013