Obituary

Joan Edith (Wilson) Collins, of Penticton, BC passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on July 5, 2023 at the age of 82. Above all, Joan was devoted to her family. Boyd John Collins, her husband of 58 years, will greatly miss her presence and the special unity they shared. As part of that bond known as “our folks”, Joan leaves, son, Todd John Collins, with wife Rebecca (Becky) Collins and their children Micaela, Benjamin, and Talia; and daughter, Trina Marie Goodwin, with husband Dr. Brett Goodwin and their children, Clare, Bryn, and Tate. She will also be missed by her brother, Dr. Don Wilson, brother-in-law, Glenn Collins, and other family and friends in Ontario and BC. Joan was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth Cathcart and Dorothy Mabel (Watson) Wilson; and sisters-in-law, Sue Wilson and Julie Collins. We are grateful for her life and cherished memories will keep her close to our hearts.

Dorothy took a coastal steamer from Bella Coola to Vancouver to give birth to Joan on March 25, 1941. They returned to spend WWII in Bella Coola where Joan’s Dad operated telephone and telegraph services. His job included reporting enemy action to central command. Joan grew up in her Dad’s other posting locations, Ashcroft, Pouce Coupe, and Burnaby. After graduating from Burnaby South High School, Joan attended business school which led to her work in the hotel and banking industries.

Boyd and Joan married in 1965 and lived in the Ontario cities of Kingston and Sarnia during their working years. They retired to the Okanagan in 2003 where they built a home and a small hobby farm. Joan loved to work in the garden and preserve the many fruits and vegetables growing on their property. Blackberries and stone fruits were her favourite. It was common for her to produce 400 jars of jam each summer with unique mixes of fruit that couldn’t be found elsewhere. Her interest in anything growing led to her membership in both the Penticton and Oliver-Heritage Garden Clubs.

Joan’s other passions were in the creative handiarts. She was an avid knitter, quilter, sewer, and cross-stitcher. Joan belonged to a Handiarts Club in Kingston to fellowship, learn, and grow with other artists. Her works are cherished by her family.

Like most, Joan had her fair share of challenges but what set her apart was the way she chose to live out her days. Throughout her life story, she served others and whether it be human or animal, all had a place in her heart. She had a special mix of compassion, lovingkindness, gracefulness, gentleness, patience, and the ability to forgive, all of which became her superpowers as she aged. In various chapters of life, Joan served in many different capacities in church and community. Hospitality was a gift she shared. Much love and laughter was enjoyed around the table. In her later years, Joan shared a gentle touch or words/deeds of kindness to those she knew were in need of such love.

Undergirding all of this and providing Joan with the strength to grow and demonstrate these traits was her deep faith in Jesus.

A graveside service will be held at Lakeview Cemetery in Penticton, on Wednesday July 12, 2023, at 10:00 am, 775 Lower Bench Road, Penticton, with Pastor Jeremy Cook officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow in August 5th, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Oliver Alliance Church, 6835 Leighton Cres, Oliver, BC, V0H 1T2.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation in memory of Joan to either the Alzheimer’s Society of BC, Suite 300 – 828 West 8th Ave, Vancouver, B.C., V5E 1E2 or Good Samaritan Canada, 8861 – 75th St NW, Edmonton, AB, T6C 4G8.

The family is especially thankful for the latter staff and residents who provided excellent care for Joan in the cottages at Village By The Station in Penticton.