Joanne Gail Collins

It is with great sadness that the family of Joanne Gail Collins announces her sudden passing on June 17, 2012.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Donna (Wayne), son Ray (Toby), son Doug (Helen), son Gary (Sherri) daughter Jackie (Graham), and grandchildren Laura (Chris), Kelsey, Brian, Stacy, Kyle, Hailey and Kevin.

She will be greatly missed by her sister Donna, her brothers-in-law John and Gerald and his wife Margaret. Joanne also leaves numerous nieces and nephews whom she very much loved. She was predeceased by her beloved husband and best friend Keith and her sister Beverley.

Joanne was born in Winnipeg on August 8, 1937, the middle daughter of Leslie and Esther Tinker. She, her parents and her sisters enjoyed the summers first at Whytewold Beach, and then at Malachi Lake in Ontario, where her family still own cottages today. After graduating from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate, she attended the Manitoba Technical Institute where she graduated as legal secretary, after which she became employed in the legal field.

Music was a corner stone in Joanne’s life, a passion that has been passed down to children and grandchildren. Joanne’s love of music was nourished through singing and piano lessons when she was young. She was a member of St. Jude’s choir for many years. It was there she met her husband of 49 years. Joanne and Keith raised their family in Westwood, and her family became the light in her life. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, she always took pride in the accomplishments of her husband, children and grandchildren.

There were numerous family car trips when the children were young, one of which was a one-month trip to California with Joanne, Keith and the five children (ages 1 to 12) in the station wagon, with the luggage on the roof rack above. There are many wonderful memories of summers spent around the family pool. Joanne and Keith also travelled and cruised to wonderful places. For many years, time was spent at their condo in Clearwater Beach, Florida, where many lasting friendships were formed. Joanne supported Keith in his professional activities and his very active role with the Khartum Shriners. She gave him her full support when he became a member of the Divan. She missed Keith terribly after his passing.

In recent years there have been many who have helped. A special thanks to her sister Donna for all she did, and to Heather Ostop for the kindness that she showed Joanne.

A Celebration of Joanne’s life will be held at 2:30 PM on Sunday, June 24 at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard with Reverend Ian Mills officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Canadian Diabetes Association, CancerCare Manitoba, or a charity of your choice.

Mother thought of her family as a book,

Her children are “her pages”

And she was the cover

Protecting the beauty she gave.