ELLSWORTH – Janet Lynne Collins Toothaker, 70, died Sunday, Nov. 18, at her home in Ellsworth.

She was born Aug. 11, 1937, in Farmington, the daughter of Harold D. and Dorothy S. (Holbrook) Collins. She grew up on Bass Hill in Wilton. She graduated from Wilton Academy in 1955, and the University of Maine in 1959. During the college years, she enjoyed living at the Elms, a cooperative dormitory. She was a member of the Sophomore Eagles, the All Maine Women and Phi Beta Kappa. She served as president of her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi.

She married Eugene Toothaker in June 1959, and taught French for a year in Yardley, Pa., while Gene attended the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School. They returned to Maine and moved to Ellsworth in 1962, where Gene established a veterinary clinic. Jan served her community as a school board member from 1976 to 1982, and was a chairwoman during that time. She also served as a literacy volunteer. She was an owner and manager of Agway and worked also for Branch Pond Marine.

She and Gene traveled extensively through the United States and Europe, and especially enjoyed many trips to Alaska and Hawaii. She enjoyed books and the New York Times crossword puzzle. She was a very vocal and enthusiastic supporter of all the Boston sports teams and the University of Maine hockey team. Above all, she enjoyed her family and friends and was very involved in the lives of her grandchildren. Her enthusiasm for life and her lively sense of humor made her a favorite of all ages.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Gene; her three sons, Alan and wife, Michele, Jeffrey and wife, Rose, and Scott and wife, Mary; six grandchildren, Dillon, Alec, Adam, Jessica, Colin and Evan Toothaker, all of Ellsworth; a sister, Nancy Adams of Bridgeton, N.J.; one niece; four nephews; and many friends.