Joan Collins (Collins) Robertson

Joan Elizabeth Collins Robertson, 96, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 21, 2020 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She will be buried in the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Thursday, January 7, 2021. A celebration of life will take place in May 2021. Born On May 27, 1924 in Beckley, West Virginia, Joan and her twin brother Cornelius were the first two of five children born to Mary and Neil Collins. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Cornelius Collins, Richard Collins, Terrance Collins, sister Mary Auble, son David Robertson Sr. and her loving and devoted husband of 55 years, John P Robertson Jr. After graduating from Mark Twain High School in 1942, Joan went to work as a secretary at Eastern Gas & Fuel Association, in Stotesbury, WV. During WWII she worked for the United States Postal Service. After the war she married John Robertson on July 16, 1949. In 1959 Joan and her husband moved their family to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Joan loved the climate, her husband, and kids. Already a family of three sons (John, Dave, and Bill), Joan gave birth to her fourth baby boy, Daniel. It was a prosperous year. Life seemed routine for Joan as she supported and worked at keeping her husband, boys, and her home on track so that they could all be successful. She was an excellent cook, gardener, and partner to John; as well as mother to John, Dave, Bill, and Dan. She was loved by her husband, her boys, in-laws, and her neighbors. A woman of humble beginnings, Joan’s mission was to love her children, family, and do the best she could. As her sons married, she embraced her daughters-in-law by acknowledging their contribution to the family. Her love reached beyond all else and each grandchild knew the love Grandma had for them. As one grandson said, “Grandma I always wondered why you stayed at home – until I had my son and realized how important you have been to our family.” Joan’s strength, courage, and love of family is a guiding light for us all. Left to cherish her memory include her sons John Paul Robertson III, wife Connie of Lee Summit, MO; daughter-in-law Lillian Robertson, of Castle Rock, CO; William Robertson, wife Lori of Albuquerque, NM; and Daniel Robertson, wife Mary of Southlake, TX. Joan has 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.