Obituary of Joan E Collins

Joan E. Collins, a woman devoted to her family and her faith, passed away at the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln on Thursday morning, January 3, 2019.  She was 82 years old.

Joan was born in Somerville. She was raised and educated in Burlington. She was a 1955 graduate of Burlington High School, which at that time was based out of the Union School.  Her high school years were an important part of her life and she was very involved in her class, which consisted of only 36 students!  Joan was a Cheerleader, on the Dance Committee, a Class Officer and she participated in the school’s fashion show. 

After high school Joan had a career in Contract Services working at Raytheon in both the Lexington and Bedford Offices. She retired after 47 years of service.  After her retirement Joan travelled throughout the world. She visited destinations such as Spain, Bermuda, the Panama Canal and even saw Pope Benedict at the Vatican.  During her younger years she enjoyed skiing and bowling.  She was also an animal lover and had a fondness for dogs.   Joan was artistic and did calligraphy and painting.

Joan was a devout Catholic and her strong catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life.  She was a longtime member of St. Malachy’s Church; which was like a second family to her.   She could be seen at the 4:00 Mass every Saturday.  Many of her closest circle of friends where from her Church group at St. Malachy’s. 

Joan lived for her nieces and nephew. They were the center of her life.  Joan was a part of all the important events in their lives and then their children’s lives. There wasn’t anything Joan wouldn’t do for them and there wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do for Joan. During her recent illness Claire, Michael and Mary Ann lovingly cared for Joan and made sure she got the greatest care, love and support.  Joan was blessed to be able to spend her last Christmas Holiday with her Claire, Michael, Mary Ann and their families.  Joan will be remembered as a strong, independent and feisty woman.

Joan was the beloved mother of the late Stacy Ann.  She was the  daughter of the late Edward and Ida Collins. Joan was the proud and loving aunt of Claire Dunbar of Fitchburg & her late husband Stephen, Michael Collins of Billerica, Mary Ann Colantuoni & her husband David of Groton and the late Ellen Collins.   Joan is also survived by many great nieces, great nephews and her family at St. Malachy’s Parish.    Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Sunday, Jan. 6 from 3-6 p.m.  Funeral from the Funeral Home on Monday, Jan. 7 at 11 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy’s Church at Noon.  Burial to follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington.  In lieu of flowers memorials in Joan’s name may be made to St. Malachy’s Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington, MA 01803.