COLLETTE, Gerry “Bubba”
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Gerry, peacefully at home in Sudbury, on January 4th, 2026 at the age of 68 years. Beloved husband to Hilda Abdel-Nour and late Carole Lalonde. Predeceased by his parents Alfred and Marie-Jeanne Collette (née Leblanc), and his father-in-law Adib Raad. Survived by his mother-in-law Therese Raad (née Ghassan).
Cherished father to Fadi Abdel-Nour (Emily) and Mireille Johnson (Mat). Dear grandfather to Myah, Maliah, Eli, Marlah, Maks and Ava. Beloved brother to Yolande Mckay (late Bill), Murielle Desaulnier (Jim), Jim Collette (Brenda), Roger Collette (Carmen) Jeannette Macmilan (Gerry), Jean Collette (Suzanne), Liliane Collette, Linda Cholette (Jean-Paul), Paul Collette (Mirva), Nicole Collette (Raymond) and Robert Collette (Tammy). Beloved brother-in-law to Aida Toubassy (late Mournir), Nada Siegel (late Jim), Moussarad Raad (Mahassen), George Raad and Toni Raad (Jeannette).
He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, relatives, and special friends Rod Teolis (Dawg) and Liane Blouin.
Gerry was born in Sudbury in 1957 and grew up surrounded by his large family of mother, father, and 11 siblings. Family was always important to Gerry, and he always loved spending time with his 5 brothers and 6 sisters. Gerry carried these strong family values throughout his whole life. He was a loving and devoted husband, and he had a special love for his children and grandchildren. He extended this love towards his many nieces and nephews, and they will always love their Bubba Santa.
In addition to cherishing time with his family, Gerry greatly enjoyed relaxing at his favourite retreat, The Wahnapitae River Island, affectionately known as Bubba’s Love Shack. Whenever a project involved the brothers, Bubba took pleasure in overseeing the operations. When he was not at camp, he could be found at home watching a hockey game. “Go Habs Go” Even in defeat, Gerry never failed to offer a thoughtful explanation for the outcome. He took immense pride in attending his grandchildren’s extracurricular activities and was deeply devoted to his family. Gerry also had a passion for music and concerts, delighted in performing the famous “Bubba dance”, and was well known for his love of long conversations and light-hearted impersonations at special family gatherings. He loved to travel and especially cherished his coffee dates with his brothers. Bubba was truly loved by all who crossed his path and possessed a remarkable ability to bring a smile to everyone he met.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Copper Cliff Medical Center, especially to Dr. Symington and the Dialysis unit at HSN for the exceptional care, kindness and compassion shown during his visits to what became his “second home”. We also wish to thank Dr. Harmon, and all the nurses, PSW’s and health care providers for their unwavering kindness and support.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the COOPERATIVE FUNERAL HOME, 222 Lasalle Blvd., Sudbury, on Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 2pm to 5 pm and 7pm to 9 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the St-Patrick’s Church, Sudbury. In lieu of flowers, donations by cheque or over the phone to the HSN Foundation – Dialysis unit would be greatly appreciated.