Joanne Elisabeth Gage Collins Obituary
She was born and raised in Rhinebeck, NY, daughter of a Baptist minister and a teacher. As a young woman she attended Gordon College in Wenham MA, where she met her soon to be husband, William Francis Collins III. Joanne's father officiated the ceremony himself in the chapel on campus. After living in various apartments around New England, in 1981 they settled in a house in West Gloucester. They had three children: William IV, Dylan and Daphne, all three of whom are artists.
Joanne was also the closest friend of Olivia Giles Collins, Bill's mother, who lived with them for thirteen years. The two shared the same birthday, and loved to celebrate together in style.
Among the many jobs she had in life, Joanne worked for years in the music department at Gordon College, while her husband Bill spent most of his long career working as a Video Engineer and Engineering Manager in cable television. Joanne's work in the music department touched the lives of many college students, who found her an approachable guide and sympathetic ear during their challenging studies.
They were both extremely active in their church, the Union Congregational Church in Magnolia. Joanne loved to volunteer for Vacation Bible School, helping kids do arts & crafts projects and creating costumes for the Bible plays.
Joanne died early Saturday at the Seacoast Nursing facility in Gloucester. She had been suffering for several years from vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In lieu of flowers, Joanne's family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org.
She is survived by her husband Bill, her three children, five wonderful grandchildren, and her sister Sharon and extended family.
There will be a memorial service for Joanne open to the public on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 11:00 am at Union Congregational Church in Magnolia, 3 Norman Ave., Magnolia MA. 01930.
