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Joanne Collins Obituary
October 20, 2011
Joanne Collins died October 20, 2011 after a long courageous battle with Ovarian Cancer. She was married to Leo Joseph Collins for 38 joyous years. The one point of contention in their marriage involved travel. Their solution to the problem was every other year each person decided their travel plans. When it came to Leo's turn, he chose to stay at home. Then, when it was Joanne's turn, she picked exotic, extravagant destinations.
Joanne was born in Durham, North Carolina to Elsa and Joseph Hough. She was the eldest of their three children. Sandra deceased and survived by her brother David, of Big Bear, California.
Joanne graduated from Westlake School for Girls in 1957 and then from USC in 1960, becoming an accomplished English teacher. She was a master teacher and English Department Chairperson at both Polytech and University High School. Joanne was a charter fellow in both writing and literature projects at UCLA. These valuable experiences were instrumental in her professional growth.
She retired from LAUSD in 2000, marking her 37th year as a high school teacher. In the same year, Joanne joined the Getty Docent Team for 2 years. In 2002 she returned to the classroom as a Literary Coach, working with teachers at Mark Twain Middle School under the leadership guidance of UCLA.
Joanne will be forever grateful for the large circle of family and friends who have been an ongoing support system. She will be missed dearly by all her family members and friends. Memorial can be made to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joanne Collins
Diana Williams
October 27, 2020
What a world we live in today. Joanne there has been so much going on you’d even be shocked. I often think of you and miss you. Things are not the same without you. To this very day I catch myself wanting to pick up the phone and ask for your advice. You always had a way of giving me the harsh reality I needed with grace and kindness. Your sense of humor, your laugh, and that contagious smile are some of the things I miss the most. Here’s to you Joanne I love you and miss you very much! I hope you are having a blast with mom dad and Leo. Life is not the same without you, however I carry all that you taught me and remind myself that all of you are watching over me. Xox Boogie slick
June 18, 2012
Dear Joanne, I had such fun having Sunday dinners with you and our "widows group." What a small world it was that you knew my husband Chris Carlson growing up. He was a friend of your brother, Dave, and spent many wonderful afternoons at your parents' home in Brentwood. Chris always said he loved Dave's oldest sister! I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to NYC and being snowed in. The memories and laughter brought on by your presence in my life are treasured. Much love, Linda
Wendy Wilson
December 17, 2011
Miss you very much!
November 8, 2011
Joanne Collins will be remembered in the heart and prayers of all of the members of the Smith family...Robert, Yolanda and our children; Jeff, Greg, Chris, Maria and Toby...as Poly's BEST!!! and Finest!!! Our youngest, Ted attended Birmingham...missing one of LAUSD's finest...
Our son Jeff remained close to Joanne and Leo over the years ...and forwarded this to us in Henderson NV,,,She will be missed by all those she touched...God blessed us with your presence...My deepest condolences....Robert Smith...
Yolanda Smith
November 7, 2011
Mrs, Collins was one of my children's favorite instructors at Polytechnic High School in the early 1970's. She and he remained friends until now. Thank you Mrs. Collins for all you gave. Y.G. Smith
Diana Williams
November 3, 2011
A beautiful person inside and out. I could not have had a better aunt. I will miss you Aunt Joanne, but I feel a great comfort knowing you are with Leo and my Mom and Dad. Dison, Ana, Clinton and I will cherish all those fun afternoon luncheons at Babalu:) XOXOXOXO Your niece Diana
Mitzi Wright
November 2, 2011
Joanne,
I will miss you!!
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