Balls Creek

Jan 16, 1966 – July 11, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we, the family, announce the peacefully passing of Colleen Hill (nee MacPherson) at home surrounded by love at the age of 59. Colleen was the daughter of the late Stephen and Lena MacPherson.

Colleen spent most of her life in Sydney but often referred to ‘up north’ as home. She was a country girl at heart, developing an early love for nature and the outdoors which she carried with her throughout her life. To be outdoors and active was to be in her happy place. She enjoyed cruising the backwood trails on her ATV, caring for her plants and flowers, and fishing. Equally as enjoyable for Colleen was showing Alex up with her own catch of the day! Friendly competition and often some banter was always very much in play when the two did anything together; with Collen more often than not coming out on top! This banter was quickly followed up with playful plotting against Alex, which always made her laugh.

She worked for some time in the commercial fishing Industry, then as a cook, and later, for many years, as a seamstress. Neither were pieces of her life that truly came to a close. Colleen was often asked to ‘hem this’ ‘sew that’ which she was always happy to do. She had a talent for cooking the ‘best fish’ which, arguably, didn’t happen often enough with guests always welcoming more.

Those who knew Colleen well knew what it was to be loved. Whether by means of meaningful conversation, soft moments, her excelled ability to cook and bake the most delicious things, her home-made jam, or even heated discussions, all came from the best place with the purest of intentions. She cared, was kind, clever, generous and capable. Colleen was held in high esteem by those lucky enough to be welcomed into her circle.

During her darkest days she didn’t waiver when it came to her sense of humor, capacity to accept the unacceptable, steadfast ability to speak her mind, to be true to herself and honest with others. She managed to reassure those around her in ways she knew they needed and expressed more worry for them than in her own situation. That’s what she always did…she was most at peace when her loved ones were. Her heart was as large as her personality, and we are honored to have been on the receiving end of what both had to offer.

Colleen’s gift was that she added value to our lives; lives we now navigate without her in constant reflection. With an abundance of stories and purpose. We will face our uncertainty with the same level of bravery, acceptance and positivity Colleen had and honor her memory that way.

Mourning her loss is her husband and best friend, Alex, their many years together were the best of her life.

Colleen is also survived by her two boys; Jason (Dayna) their daughter, Ruby, and Clifton (Rachel) their two sons, Clark and Raymond; two sisters, Debbie (Phillip) and Florence; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Colleen is also survived by her Hill family, mother-in-law, Margaret, Alex’s siblings, Wesley (Joanne), Gerald (Valerie), Rooster (Sharon), Susan (Gordie) Peter (Nicole), brother-in-law Eric, and three stepchildren; Vicki, Valerie and David, in addition to nine grandchildren; Dawston, Mikaela, Zach, Victoria, Alexis, Alley, Leland, Kylie and Tanner; and one great grandchild, Lincoln. Her Hill family is inclusive of her 3 ‘adopted’ girls; Brenda, Colleen and Katie.

Besides her parents, Colleen was predeceased by brothers, Charles and Stephen; sisters-in-law, Ruby and Kathleen; father-in-law, Hanson, and precious puppy companion, Abby.

The family appreciates the thoughtfulness that has been shown to them since Colleen’s diagnosis, and wish to thank the palliative care team and her doctors for the care and compassion provided to her during her brief battle.

Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Colleen Hill will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Thursday, July 17, 2025. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 5 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating.

Donations in memory of Colleen may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

Although our hearts are heavy
Our memories shine bright
You taught us many lessons
As you embraced your final fight

Courage, love and wisdom
With a smile on your face
You left us as you loved us
Fiercely with strength and grace

We vow to live as you did
Being honest, kind and true
To be thankful for each day
The things we learned from you

We pray that you rest peacefully
And watch over us with pride
We will push through the dark days
With an angel by our side

Online Condolences

Alex
I am so sorry to hear of Colleens passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From:  Linda Kieley