Mary Jane Collins Basley passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at Presque Isle.  She was born on October 18, 1932 in Lubec, ME, the daughter of Joseph F.  and Agnes (Tyler) Collins.

She attended Lubec schools, graduating from Lubec High School in 1951. On September 21st of that year, she married Arthur M. Basley and they enjoyed 48 years together.

In 1955, Arthur joined the U.S. Coast Guard and in 1967 the family moved to Southwest Harbor, ME where he was stationed.  While living in Southwest Harbor, Janie served on the Town Warrant Committee, was a Trustee of the Southwest Harbor Public Library, and was President of the Friends of the Library.  After joining the Southwest Harbor UCC church, she served as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher and was President of the Women's Fellowship.  Also while living in Southwest Harbor, Janie worked as Secretary/ Receptionist for the Northeast Harbor Yacht Co., Gilley Plumbing Co., Southwest Harbor Medical Center, and Newman Marine Brokerage.  She also worked as Desk Clerk at the Claremont Hotel for a few summers and spoke often of "the fun" of working there.  In 1997, she and Arthur moved to Ellsworth, ME.  While living in Ellsworth, she was a member of the Ellsworth Garden Club, was a member of The Downeast Outing Club, and served on the Board of The Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library.  In 2021, she moved to Presque Isle, ME to live at Leisure Gardens Apartments.

Janie was predeceased by her husband on December 24, 1999. She was also predeceased by a brother, Kenneth F. Collins, Sr., a sister, Julia C. Snipes, and nephews, Kenneth F. Collins, Jr. and Nolan Snipes, Jr.

She is survived by her two sons: David and his wife, Lisa, of Ashland, and Peter and his wife, Vicki, of Ellsworth; three grandchildren, Kelly of Presque Isle, Brent (Deanne) of Eddington, and Heather of Steuben; four great-grandchildren, Zoe, Cooper, Kiera, and Hunter; nieces Judy (Scott) Ellington and Francina Ingalls; nephews Raymond Basley, Jr. and Kenneth Basley.

A spring interment will occur in Green Acres Cemetery, Lubec, ME. Donations may be made in Janie's memory to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements entrusted to Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren, ME 04785. To share condolences online, please visit www.LajoieFuneralHome.com