Elnora Ruth Collins OC (née Proctor; November 21, 1919 – March 3, 2024) was a Canadian jazz singer, television host, and civic leader. She was known as Canada's First Lady … See more

She married Richard Collins in 1942 and remained married for 70 years. Together they moved to Burnaby in 1948 with her four children, Rick, Judith, Barry and Tom. As the only black … See more

• Scanlan, Lawrence (February 20, 2017). They Desire a Better Country: The Order of Canada in 50 Stories. Figure 1 Publishing. ISBN 978-1927958766. See more

Elnora Ruth Procter was born on November 21, 1919, in Edmonton, Alberta. Her parents were of Black and Creole Indian heritage and … See more

At age 15, she won a talent contest in Edmonton. She then sang with Joe Macelli's dance band, and the Three Es, and on CFRN.
In 1938, she … See more

• Distinguished Centennial Pioneer Award – 1986
• BC Entertainment Hall of Fame Star – 1992 See more

• Feature article in Scout magazine Canada.
• Article at thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
• Eleanor Collins discography at Discogs See more