Constance Delorme

CONSTANCE MARUREEN “CONNIE” (COLLINS) DELORME 1947 - 2017 Constance Maureen “Connie” (Collins) Delorme beloved daughter of Grant and Mary Collins passed away suddenly February 1, 2017 at the age of 69 at her home near Innisfail, Alberta. Connie was born February 28, 1947 in Crystal City, Manitoba. She attended school in Pilot Mound and later graduated from Business College in Winnipeg. As a child, Connie enjoyed a wonderful upbringing with her 3 older siblings. Her parents strived to provide the best life possible including sports of all kinds, music, Sunday school and education. All the music festivals, skating carnivals and picnics at the lake laid the foundation for true kindness and friendship. Connie always had a companion, a lovable Labrador “Lady”, who would know exactly when school was dismissed, run down the street and around the corner to meet her. Soon Connie’s piano lessons became overshadowed by a greater love of horses. Rather than help her mother on Saturdays, she convinced her she must get to the barn to clean it out. No task was too great, from bringing in her horse through a heavy snowstorm or getting back on “Copper” after he had bucked her off. She loved cleaning out Grandpa’s barn every Saturday morning, where she kept her horse. Chores became a welcomed weekend job instead of housework. Connie married Lyall Delorme at the Pilot Mound United Church on April 20, 1968. This would eventually lead her to Alberta where he was working. In addition to raising her children, Tyler and Misty, on the outskirts of Calgary, Connie always had a full-time job with evening chores to follow. She was capable at holding down the “fort “. In these years, Connie spent many hours working at the Simons Valley BBQ Ranch, where too many laughs and memories were made. Connie enjoyed curling, camping, playing cards with her family and friends, and always had a horse or 3 nearby. She recently enjoyed a school reunion back home that she organized and reconnected with so many long time friends. She had mastered the science of loving and caring for animals that went hand in hand with her 6th sense. Following her divorce, Connie, Tyler and Misty remained west of Airdrie. Days were filled with kids’ hockey, baseball and 4-H. Both Misty and Tyler graduated from Bert Church High School. She was an amazing mother and so proud of Tyler becoming a journeyman mechanic and owning his own business, and Misty’s dedication to her dental field. Misty’s passion for horses became her pride and joy. Among her many jobs, Connie enjoyed her work at the Canadian Simmental Association, and then became the Administrator of the Canadian Cutting Horse Association where she continued to work for over 20 years. Her dedication and attention to detail was profound. You could not find a more knowledgeable or passionate person. Despite facing many tough times, Connie maintained dignity and strength of character that was admired by many while raising her two children. Her generous kindness, clear integrity and terrific sense of humour held her to many friends all over the country. There are so many stories left to tell of Connie’s adventures, her remarkable kind nature, and the love for her family and furry friends will be cherished forever. Connie is survived by her sister Carolanne Bayne, brothers Dale (Lee) Collins and Gary (Sherry) Collins, son Tyler (Angie) Delorme, daughter Misty (Shane) Reberger and precious grandchildren Tristen, Cheyenne, Fallon and Jett. She was their biggest fan and loved cheering at their Hockey Games, Dance, Skating and Horse Shows. She also leaves behind many loving relatives and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #104, Innisfail, Alberta, Monday February 13, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to your local SPCA or the Juvenile Diabetes Association of Canada. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Innisfail entrusted with arrangements. 403-227-0006. www.heartlandfuneralservices.com