Bonnie Kay Collins

Bonnie Kay Collins (Steele) Passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on June 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. In her final days, many friends stopped by to say goodbye. Stories and memories filled with love were shared, bringing both laughter and tears-a beautiful tribute to a life so well lived and so deeply cherished. She was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on December 11, 1942. In 1963, Bonnie followed her calling to care for others, beginning her career as a Registered Nurse at Fairview/University of Minnesota Health. With compassion and skill, she worked in the ER, ICU, and OR, and remained close throughout her life to three dear friends she met in nursing school. Bonnie was the heart of her family-deeply present in her children's lives and always leading with love, strength, and support. Later she became the ever-present "Grandma Bonnie" to six beloved grandchildren. She and her late husband, Jack, cherished time at the family's compound north of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, where summers were filled with laughter, boat rides, bonfires, family, and friends. They also loved spending winters at their condo in Ft. Myers, Florida, with their "Florida family," especially when visited by loved ones. An avid tennis player, golf enthusiast, and phenomenal cook, Bonnie found joy in life's simple pleasures and the company of friends. Her warmth could light up a room, and her sharp wit will be missed by all who knew her. Bonnie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack Collins. She is survived by her three children: Kathy - married to Brad Veldboom (son Tyler) of Eden Prairie; Sean Collins - married to Tracie (daughter Sydnie and son Bailey) of Ft. Myers; and Brian Collins - married to Katie (daughters Chloe, Lily, and Josie) of Eden Prairie. She is also survived by her sister Sharon - married to Chris Carson of Helena, MT, and her brother Ray - married to Sandi Steele of Gretna, NE. For the past eight years, Bonnie lived with Alzheimer's at The Waters of Edina, where she found a second family that will miss her dearly. In her early years there, she was the unofficial welcome committee for new residents in Memory Care. Until her last conscious day, she told everyone how much she appreciated the staff and loved living there. It truly was her "home sweet home." In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to nursing scholarships at M Health Fairview / University of Minnesota or to the Alzheimer's Association. To support nursing students in Bonnie's memory:https://give.umn.edu (Please designate "In memory of Bonnie Collins - Nursing Scholarships") To support Alzheimer's care and research:https://www.alz.org/donate (Select "Make a Tribute Gift" and enter Bonnie's name) Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 26, at 11AM with visitation one hour prior at Church of St. Patrick (6820 St. Patrick's Lane, Edina).

Tributes

Bonnie Kay Collins

December 11, 1942 - June 6, 2025

Tributes

Bonnie Kay Collins

December 11, 1942 - June 6, 2025

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