We Remember

COLLINGWOOD, Gail

August 24, 1949 — July 8, 2026

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beautiful Gail Patricia Collingwood on July 8, 2026, of pancreatic cancer.

Gail is survived by many loving family members: sisters Cathy and Jane; brothers Cyril, Harold, and Tim; beloved nieces Randa, Amanda, Candace, Tiffany, Kendra, and Courtney; nephews Josh, Darren, Bryan, and Mike; as well as great nieces and nephews; sons Jim and Randy; two granddaughters; and two great-grandsons. She was predeceased by her parents Dorothy and Cyril Collingwood, and sisters Wendy and Judy.

Gail was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on August 24, 1949. The family moved to Kelowna in 1962. After high school at KSS, Gail went to Reno to spend time with her grandparents and work. When she came back she went to hair dressing school. She managed the Wig Boutique in the Woolworths in Kelowna. She then went to work at Kelowna Packing House until she became paralyzed on June 16, 1986 at the age of 36. Although Gail’s life was forever changed, she never let it stop her from living it to the fullest. She was happy, independent, and made everyday count.

Gail loved flowers and the outdoors. You could always find her sitting enjoying the sun. She later moved to Princeton with her husband Allan Materi. She worked hard alongside Allan running the farm, not letting her disability stop her from doing anything. No matter how hard it was, she always just enjoyed her life.

Gail moved back to Kelowna in 2000. She lived in a community where she enjoyed talking and laughing with the neighbourhood kids, and made friends with all their parents over the 25 years living there. Gail was admired and loved by all who knew her for her strength and courage — especially by her family. She was a true inspiration.

Many thanks to the staff, doctors, nurses, care aides, and palliative team at KGH. Also, thank you to the staff: nurses, care aides, Tracy, Gail’s palliative care coordinator, and Laura, Gail’s social worker at Brookhaven Care Home for your constant kind care leading up to her passing. Thank you to the team at Motion Mobility for the years of help and kindness you gave Gail. A special thank you to Tammy Vashon, Gail’s longtime community OT. She was a big part of Gail’s care over many years. Gail was very grateful for her kindness, compassion, and friendship. Many thanks for all the condolences and flowers.

There will be no formal service at Gail’s request. The family gathered to lay Gail to rest beside her sisters Wendy and Judy on July 17, 2026.

Gail, we love you and will miss you. You will forever stay in our hearts.

Goodbye to our Betty Boop.

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