Joanne Collins, a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, died October 20 after a long, courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Collins was born in Durham, North Carolina, to Elsa and Joseph Hough, and was the eldest of their three children. She was married to Leo Joseph Collins for 38 joyous years. The one point of contention in their marriage involved travel. Their solution to the problem was to alternate responsibility for their travel plans each year. When it came to Leo’s turn, he chose to stay at home. Then, when it was Joanne’s turn, she picked exotic, extravagant destinations. Joanne graduated from the Westlake School for Girls in 1957 and from USC in 1960, before becoming an accomplished English teacher. She was a master teacher and chair of the English department at both Polytech and University high schools. Joanne was also a charter fellow in both writing and literature projects at UCLA, and these experiences were instrumental in her professional growth. She retired from the Los Angeles Unified School District in 2000, marking her 37th year as a high school teacher. That same year, Joanne joined the J. Paul Getty Museum’s docent team, volunteering for two years. In 2002, she returned to the classroom as a literary coach, working with teachers at Mark Twain Middle School under the leadership guidance of UCLA. Joanne was predeceased by her husband and her sister, Sandra. She is survived by her brother David of Big Bear. Forever grateful for the large circle of family and friends who were an ongoing support system, Joanne will be missed dearly by all her family members and friends. Donations may by made in her name to a charity of the donor’s choosing.
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