Daisy May Schaefer (Collins) Spotlight
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Daisy May Schaefer (Collins), who left us at the age of 86 on February 11, 2026. Daisy spent her final moments peacefully surrounded by family, including her daughter, Karen, and son-in-law, Gerald, after a courageous battle with cancer at Yucalta Lodge.
Daisy May Schaefer: A Life Remembered
Daisy was born on October 1, 1939, in Caterham, Surrey, England, to George and Myrtle Collins (née Enever). She was the second youngest in a large family of eleven siblings. In September 1948, Daisy and her family immigrated to Canada, traveling on the RMS Aquitania. They settled in Callander, near North Bay, Ontario.
Family and Early Life
After completing her education, Daisy moved to the Niagara Falls area. There, she met Wayne Richard Savage, whom she married. Together, they raised three children: Sharon, Richard, and Karen. In the early 1960s, the family relocated to Vancouver Island, where Daisy found work as a bartender at the Arlington Hotel in Port Alberni, a role she held for 16 years.
Later Years and Marriages
In 1977, Daisy married Kim Schaefer. The couple enjoyed 32 years of marriage until Kim’s passing in Campbell River, BC, in September 2009. Daisy was predeceased by her parents, her daughter Sharon Montague in 1987, nine of her ten siblings, and her husband Kim.
Legacy and Survivors
Daisy is survived by her son, Richard Savage (Jeanette), and daughter, Karen Haase (Gerald). She was also a cherished grandmother to Brad Leblanc, Gord Montague, Carson Savage, Carly Spurek, Orlena Friis-Mollins, and Shawna Wale. Daisy had several great-grandchildren, including Kamryn, Jason, and Lenaya Mollins, along with Jayden Wale, Keegan Taylor, and others.
- Children: Sharon, Richard, Karen
- Grandchildren: Brad, Gord, Carson, Carly, Orlena, Shawna
- Great-Grandchildren: Kamryn, Jason, Lenaya, Jayden, Keegan, and more
- Surviving Sibling: John Collins
Daisy was known for her immense love for her family and her fondness for dogs, especially her standard poodles, Sasha and Chelsea. She was often seen walking along the Campbell River spit, bringing joy to all who encountered her warm smile.
Gratitude and Farewell
The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to friends, neighbors at Thunderbird Campground, and the dedicated staff at Yucalta Lodge for their compassion and care during her final months. A celebration of Daisy’s life will be organized this summer, with the date to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation for Yucalta Lodge hospice.
