Jean Collins

Jean Marie Collins, 86, of Cedar Falls, Iowa passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, at NewAldaya Lifescapes. Jean was born June 25, 1940, in Waverly, Iowa, the daughter of William and Alma (Lubbs) Collins. She grew up on a farm in rural Janesville, loving her time spent outdoors – riding bikes, gardening, and helping with chores. In school she was involved in numerous activities, including student council, band and choral music groups, and her much-loved 6-on-6 basketball, where she served as a forward with an outstanding career point total of 2,278 and a 40-point average per game. Jean graduated from Janesville High School in 1958. She attended Allen School of Nursing (playing on the appropriately-named “Allen Nurses” basketball team) and graduating in 1961 as a registered nurse. Jean also attended Gates Business College, graduating with honors in 1967. As a dedicated nurse, Jean worked for many years at Allen Hospital, serving in Intensive Care and Obstetrics, and then served as a nurse in the office of Drs. Ernest and Luther Stumme in Denver, Iowa. She then returned to the Allen Hospital campus as a cardiac nurse at Cardiology Specialists, and retired early when health issues made the physical demands of her job a challenge. In retirement, Jean stayed busy helping as a nanny and independently maintaining the house she owned in Waterloo for 50 years. On most days, she could be found in her backyard, filling a bird feeder or tending a flower bed. Along with gardening, Jean also found joy in playing piano and doing puzzles and needlework of all kinds. No matter the craft, Jean could do it well, and family milestones were often marked by her handiwork – knitted Christmas stockings for a new baby, custom bridesmaid dresses for a family wedding, a prayer shawl for a loved one facing a difficult time. In later years when health issues required the move to NewAldaya, Jean continued this love of crafts, marking on the weekly calendar all the activities she would attend. Yet she still made sure to take time to sit outside and enjoy nature, catch a WNBA basketball game on TV, share a smile with the caregivers and hospice nurses she was so grateful for, and chat and laugh with her friends at those afternoon sessions known as “ladies’ aid.” Jean’s faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waverly for many years, and then joined St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls in 2002. At St. John’s she attended Bible study, served on parish committees, and kept up with the church community, making little notes by the photos in her church directory of each family’s milestones and the volunteer talents each parishioner could provide if needed. When she was no longer able to attend services in person, she still poured over the church newsletter and joined online worship each Sunday, thanks to her trusty iPad. More than anything, Jean loved her family and was devoted to her nieces and nephews, even as they moved away and raised families of their own. She cherished their phone calls and poured over their posts on Facebook. Her address book was a virtual history of every new house, new spouse, and new child. One of her last wishes was to make certain that each and every one of them knew just how much they meant to her, and this obituary puts them all “on notice” that they were truly and deeply loved. Jean’s memory is honored by these 10 beloved nieces and nephews, Theodore (Sharon) Green of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Gail Green of Franklin, Wisconsin; Sarah (Mark Kennedy) Green of Bristol, Wisconsin; David (Fauzia) Green of Greenfield, Wisconsin; Deanna (Rick) McCue, of Waverly, Iowa; Dan (Diane) Dix, of Humboldt, Iowa; Maria (Greg) Brcka, of Ankeny, Iowa; Mike (Kristi) Hannemann of Nashua, Iowa; Cindy (John) Olson of Reinbeck, Iowa; and Matt Hannemann of Nashua, Iowa, and many grand nieces and nephews. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, William and Alma Collins; sister and brother-in-law, Fern and Gerald Green; sister and brother-in-law, Carol and DeForest Dix; and sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Tom Hannemann. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, at the NewAldaya Lifescapes Chapel in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with Pastor Brian Julin-McCleary officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service from 12:30 to 1:30 at NewAldaya, with refreshments provided. Interment will follow the service at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens north of Cedar Falls. Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice or to the family for later designation to one of Jean’s favorite charities. Richardson Funeral Home, Cedar Falls, is assisting the family.

Jean Collins

June 25, 1940 - August 8, 2026