Jo Ann Marston Collins was born in Ottawa, Canada on February 11, 1928. She died peacefully on December 29th, 2016. Jo and her parents, Russell and Lillian Marston, were all naturalized American citizens. She spent her early years in East Lansing, Michigan and remained close to those men and women with whom she started school in kindergarten. She graduated from Michigan State University, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. After graduation she married Charles William Collins. They had two children, Steven and Beth. Jo followed her husband Charley, who was with the J.C. Penney Co. for 51 years, from state to state. Fortunately, one of those transfers was in Columbus, Ohio where they spent fifteen years. Jo was always interested in the arts and volunteered as a docent at the Columbus Museum of Art. Her love of travel started with a small group from the museum in the late sixties. In-depth, art-focused trips took them to Italy one year and in subsequent years to France, England and the Soviet Union.
A new adventure began when they transferred to Long Island, NY. Once again Jo was able to be involved with the arts in groups on the island and many trips to NYC to view museums and shows. Then came a transfer to Sarasota, Florida after Beth graduated from high school. With the children in college, Jo enrolled at the University of South Florida and obtained a second B.A. in Elementary Education and a Master's in Reading Education. She taught in the Sarasota school district until her retirement. During those years in Florida, Jo learned to make baskets, bought her first computer, and began to write stories about her life. Jo and Charley traveled to China, Australia and New Zealand and Scandinavia before Charley retired and later suffered strokes.
After Charley's death, Jo began to travel throughout the world, visiting Africa, Nepal, Vietnam, Egypt, South America, Spain. and Greece. Soon she felt the call to return to her home in Yuba, Michigan near Traverse City. Loving her place on the bay in the woods, but feeling a need to be a part of the community, she was active in Grace Episcopal church and the loving family spirit it offered. She was a docent for many years at the Dennos Museum and enjoyed book clubs, the Advisory Council of extended education at NMC, was a volunteer at the State Theatre and the TCFF and was an active member of AAUW. Her love of writing brought her close to dear friends who shared that interest.
Jo's daughter, Beth, moved to Traverse City in 2006 and they shared their passion for food, fun and film and their sweet dogs. Jo's son, Steve and his family live in Dallas and Jo loved their visits with beach time and fishing – pure "Yuba time". Jo embraced life as an adventure to be lived to its fullest. A life-long learner, Jo provoked thought, listened with an open heart and provided all who knew her with the importance of boldness and courage in living.
Surviving Jo are her son, Steven Marston Collins, his wife, Toni, and grandchildren Kate and Hanna who live in Dallas, TX, her daughter, Elizabeth Ann Collins and the many who became Jo's "Extended Family" in Traverse City and elsewhere. All other relatives reside in Canada.
A memorial service honoring Jo will take place on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 12:00 noon, with visiting one hour prior, at Grace Episcopal Church, 341 Washington St., Traverse City, Michigan, 49684. Fr. Carlton Kellie will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated either to Hospice of Michigan which provided unparalleled support for our family in Mom's final months at http://www.hom.org/ or mailed to Donation Processing Center, Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Ave. SE, Ada, MI 49301 or Mom's other great local love, was the Traverse City Film Festival where she was a film sponsor for many seasons. Donations can also be made in her memory at www.stateandbijou.org/support/donate

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Jo's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.