Janet Collins '63

Dear Laurentian Community,

I write to share the sad news that Janet Collins ’63, a St. Lawrence alumna and former member of the University Advancement staff, passed away on May 13 at the age of 83.

A native of Rochester, New York, Janet graduated from St. Lawrence with a degree in English and spent many years living and working in the North Country, including an earlier career teaching high school English in Potsdam and as a manager at Smith’s Department Store, where she made many lifelong friendships.

In 1989, after her kids were grown, she returned to her alma mater to serve as Assistant Director of Development and Research. Her analytical skills and exacting attention to detail earned her legendary status as the backbone of the University’s research department. Colleagues remember the great pride she took in her work and the impact it had on St. Lawrence’s fundraising efforts. Janet was an active member of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement and served on the regional chapter board.

After retiring in 2011, she relocated to Bedford, Massachusetts, to be closer to family. Janet continued to embody the values of service and community, volunteering regularly with the Bedford Historical Society. Janet made friends everywhere she went, and she enjoyed reading, playing games, and doing puzzles. Above all, she loves spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

We share our heartfelt condolences with Janet’s family, including her children, Rebecca Williamson and Darren Collins, and her cherished grandchildren. We are grateful for Janet’s years of devoted service to St. Lawrence and for the meaningful impact she had on the University.

Please join us in celebrating Janet’s life by sharing your memories of her on the St. Lawrence University website. You can read the remembrances of others here.

Sincerely,

Kate Morris