Joanne Mary Collins

“Dust yourself off, pull your shoulders back, and keep on walking.”
If you knew Joanne Collins, you were touched by her wild spirit. You witnessed her commanding a room with her charisma, bringing out the lighter side in others, and making genuine connections. Her strength and resilience were her superpowers —and her ability to rise after falling was inspiring.

“One day to be down, then pull your socks up and get on with life…”
She was humble and didn’t take people’s successes or failings too seriously. She was determined. Life threw her hands-in-the-air-happiness and out-of-nowhere curveballs, but she always pulled her socks up.

She laughed like the whole world was watching.
Oh, she’d make you laugh. Or maybe giggle a little like her. We liked to roar at her quirky jokes with some down-home hand slapping and stomach-clutching laughter. And when she told a story, her side smirks and facial expressions added a subtext like no other. If you know, you know.

She will stay in our hearts forever.
She passed on April 13, 2023, with love all around her —which is all she ever wanted.
Joanne was survived by her two daughters Candice (Craig) Bartlett /Wanless and Ashley (Aaron ) Elliott, and her loving grandchildren, Isaac, Liam, Abby and Jadon. Survived by her siblings Paul( Katherine) Collins, Barb (Tom) Bryson, Patricia Collins, Michelle (Gerry) Collins, Greg (Nancy) and all her nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Mary Jo Collins, and brother Brian and Sister Cathy.

If you’d like to make a donation in honour of Joanne Collins, please consider The Heart and Stroke Foundation, or add your name to the CAMH Foundation to join the mental health movement in Canada.