Joyce Collins

Joyce Townsend Collins, age 96, died on January 24, 2018, supported by her family, friends and caregivers at Wingate Residences in Brewster.  She grew up on a dairy farm in Woodstock, CT where she graduated as valedictorian from Woodstock Academy. Joyce served during World War II in the U.S. Navy WAVES in New York City and San Francisco. After the war, and thanks to the GI Bill, she graduated from Clark University in Worcester, MA. Joyce then earned a Master's Degree at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City. Joyce had a fulfilling career as a high school guidance counselor in the Grafton and Shrewsbury, MA and Morgantown, PA public schools.  Joyce enjoyed sports and was an especially good swimmer and basketball player. Later she became an avid golfer, enjoying the beautiful courses in Dennis.  Joyce loved the outdoors and long walks, particularly at Corporation Beach in Dennis. She loved animals, especially Chocolate Labrador Retrievers. Joyce’s husband of 43 years, Philip J. Collins (originally from Pittsfield, MA) died in 1993 shortly after their move to Dennis on Cape Cod. They had raised their sons in Holden, MA before business took them to Elverson, PA. Thanks in large part to her golfing friends and fellow poker players, Joyce treasured her 26 years in Dennis. Joyce’s three sisters predeceased her: Sylvia Townsend, Beatrice Espy, and Nina Baillargeon.

Joyce is survived by her sons Brian P. Collins of Sharon MA (and his wife Paula) and Vaughn T. Collins of West Ferrisburgh, VT; her step-grandson Jeremiah T. O'Grady of Lincoln, RI (and his wife Elizabeth Crohan and their children, Anna and Declan); and, her nephews and nieces: Steven H. Townsend, Midge Green, Rita Anne Hopkins, and Bruce Baillargeon.  Joyce also is survived by her dear friend Helen Woods at Wingate Residences in Brewster.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod (Hospice Care Program) P.O. Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601.  Her family will celebrate Joyce's life this spring on Cape Cod.