Janis A. Collamore

Janis A. Collamore, 76, of Rockport, formerly of Wakefield, North Reading and Vermont, passed away Sunday morning, March 10, 2024 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. Born in Melrose, she was the daughter of the late Raymond L. and Alice (O'Connor) Collamore. She was raised in Wakefield where she attended public school, and later went on to receive her undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Janis continued her education by earning her master's degree in Special Education from the College of St. Joseph in Rutland, VT.
Janis was a compassionate and dedicated Special Education Teacher for forty years. She began her career with Wakefield Public Schools. Her specialized teaching brought her to Proctor, Vermont where she taught at the town's Junior and Senior Schools. Later in her career, she taught at Methuen High School and Landmark School in Beverly. Applying her passion and experience in special education, Jan later went on to co-found the Northeast Consortium Embark Program at Salem State University. This program provided academic, community and vocational opportunities with profound impacts for its students and is still running today.
Janis resided in Rockport for almost forty years. Maintaining her home here was dear to her heart. She was truly multitalented. She enjoyed carpentry and woodworking, skills she learned from her beloved father. She was also an avid boater. She loved being out on the open water where she entertained friends and family for many years, creating countless happy memories.
She is survived by two sisters, Rae Currier and her husband Paul of Wakefield and Joy Hart and her husband Rick of West Rutland, VT; as well as one brother, Robert Collamore and his wife Linda of North Andover. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was predeceased by her close friend Patrice Grande of Rockport and will be dearly missed by her many devoted friends. She was a role model and a true inspiration to all who knew her.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Care Dimensions, The Kaplan House and the many friends who helped care for and support Jan during her illness.
A Celebration of Life for Janis will be announced at a later date. Contributions may be made in Janis' memory to the Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930 or Friends of the Northshore Education Consortium, 112 Sohier Road, Beverly MA 01915. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, Gloucester. Condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com