Virginia G. Collie

Mrs. Virginia Collie died peacefully on Saturday October 23, 2021, surrounded by her three children in her home in Towson, Maryland. She was 95 years old. Born Virginia Gwyer in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Elizabeth Plummer Bowen and Frederick Denike Gwyer. She attended the Shipley School and graduated from Ogontz School in 1943, the year in which she made her social debut. Virginia went on to Smith College earning a BA in Political Science in 1947. In 1951 Virginia married Captain Alastair MacRae Collie, MC and relocated to Baltimore where she studied ceramics with Olin Russom at the Baltimore Museum of Art. She held interest in politics and world affairs and made a significant contribution as an involved volunteer running the Chase Street Office for Citizens of Eisenhower. She was actively involved in supportive healthcare at Roland Park Place. Mrs. Collie also served as a Trustee of Roseland Park which was donated by her great-grandfather, Henry Chandler Bowen, to the towns people of Woodstock, CT. He was a preeminent abolitionist and civil rights leader. Mrs. Collie was heavily involved in health awareness as demonstrated through 4 years of dedication to the American Cancer Society as The Chairperson of The Board of Directors of the Northern Baltimore City Unit, 1980-1984. She launched and spearheaded their yearly “Daffodil Days” fundraiser. “The Flower Lady”, as she was called, was warmly received by residents receiving daffodils symbolizing hope for a cure against cancer. Mrs. Collie raised several thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society through her efforts in a fundraising event they still hold today. Mrs. Collie’s interests were wide and included passion for music, her family and gardening. For many years she was a subscriber to The Metropolitan Opera, The Philadelphia Orchestra and The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Mrs. Collie was a past member of Timber Ridge Bassets, The Cosmopolitans, and Old St. Paul’s Church. She also owned the Bhot Atcha Furniture Polish Company LTD, where she made and distributed furniture polish along the east coast. Mrs. Collie is survived by her children; Alexandra Collie Wilson, Michael MacRae Collie and Hugh Aspinwall Collie; daughter in-law Gayle Cooper Collie; grandchildren Jennifer Wentworth Wilson, Garrett Woodall Wilson, Tyler MacRae Collie, Michael MacRae Collie Jr., Christina Elizabeth Collie and Alexandra O’Neill Collie; and great-grandchildren Briana Lynn Wilson, Bowen Thomas Wilson, and Graham Stevens Wilson. She is predeceased by her husband Captain Alastair MacRae Collie, MC and son in-law James Stevens Wilson. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Virginia Gwyer Collie may be made to American Cancer Society, Defenders of Animal Rights and Historic New England.

Virginia G. Collie

December 25, 1925 - October 23, 2021

About Us

What We Do

Contact Us

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information

Virginia G. Collie

December 25, 1925 - October 23, 2021

About Us

What We Do

Contact Us

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information

Obituary Notification