Kathy D. Collins, age 64, of Helena, passed away January 13, 2022. Kathy was born in Anaconda, MT on April 12, 1957. It was apparent to her mom there was something different about this child. Kathy was inconsolable. She was born with 2 broken bones. It took a bit and finally she was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, brittle bones. Her parents were told that she would probably only live into her early 20s. But her timing was impeccable.
As a child, she spent many months in the Shriner’s Children’s hospital in Chicago, IL. Where a doctor figured out how to help straighten bones. She got her long bones Straightened and strengthened with intermedullary rodding. When she wanted to go to regular school her Mom found a one level school that she attended. High School was another milestone. Without elevators or ramps. Doris and Kathy never missed a day of school if she was healthy, and her bones were in casts. She sustained hundreds of fractures in her lifetime and endured countless hospitalizations. Kathy defied the odds. Kathy’s mother Doris was her best friend and Kathy credited her for her longer than expected life and helping her achieve many of her accomplishments.
Kathy graduated from Carroll College with a degree in English Literature and later got her teaching certificate. She was fearless and did her student teaching at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, MT. The first person to be granted that position. After a stint working for Independent Living, she become more militant about accessibility as a passion. She began teaching at CR Anderson middle school in Helena, MT, and continued teaching there until her retirement. During her ten year she received her Masters Degree in Education through Lesley College. The first advanced degree program to be offered in Helena.
She was a fine writer and had stories published in writing and disability magazines. Kathy loved Helena and was instrumental in helping the city comply with the American with Disabilities Act. Kathy was a powerful advocate for people with disabilities and was recognized by Governor Mark Racicot and Senators John Melcher and Max Baucus. She was also a member of a delegation that went to Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan in the late 80s as a fact finding how they do things in Japan. She couldn’t have been happier.
Kathy loved her cats and dogs; they were part of her family. She loved going shopping in downtown Helena and would always run into people she knew. She loved bumping into her students and discussing how they were doing and what they were up to. The students were always excited to see her. She loved to travel and after retiring traveled to attend music concerts every chance she got. But if there was an adventure to be had, it was talking someone into going with her and off they would go. She also took some close friends to Italy where she met Pope Benedict XVI.
Kathy was admired for her keen sense of humor, her fearlessness, and her determination. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and students!
She was preceded in death by her mother Doris Snow Seely, her father Dennis Collins, and her grandparents Harold and Violet Snow.
A Viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, January 20, 2022 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave. The Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2022 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home which will also be livestreamed. A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Sunset Memorial Cemetery, 5001 Crackerville Rd., outside of Anaconda.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 20, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday January 21, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 22, 2022
Sunset Cemetery
5001 Crackerville Rd
Anaconda, Montana 59711
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 20, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday January 21, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 22, 2022
Sunset Cemetery
5001 Crackerville Rd
Anaconda, Montana 59711
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John Sorensen says
Kathy will be missed. I lived next door to her for a number of years and always got a laugh from her. I remember one particular time having a few people over for a barbecue who all work in the trades and after a few minutes talking with her they were all blushing! She was a strong woman and a good person!
Suzanne Stefanac says
Kathy was a wonderful friend to my sister Bonnie Stefanac. Over the years, they had so many adventures together. Their bond was unbreakable. After Bonnie died, our cousin Agnes Ingram and I always looked forward to our trips to Helena to visit Kathy and her ever shifting menagerie. Kathy was utterly unique, fearless and full of love. I am among those missing her today.
Micheal Finch says
Thanks for being an amazing educator, and for always sticking up for a kid that was always on crutches or in a wheelchair. She didn’t put up with any nonsense. I will always remember her.
Dawn Piazzi says
Kathy never ceased to amaze me! Always up for an adventure. Honest, outspoken and loving. Love to all of her family and friends! No doubt if there is a way she will keep an eye on all of us!
Lynn Hanson says
Dear friends and family. Kathy will truly be missed she was a great person and always up for fun get togethers and birthday fun. Many memories were made with her over the years. I was lucky enough to serve her at a restaurant and also stylist for her mother hair. Yes she loved her pets and took good care of them. Thanks for all the good times glad I got to know you!! God bless!!
Tonna W. Strasko says
We lived about 4 houses from Kathy and her mom in Washoe Park, Anaconda.
Her mom carried her for so many years – that picture is still in my mind.
What an inspiration both women were.
Don McPherson says
May our God of All comforts bless all family & friends. 🙏 and ❤ you l!
Becca Kohl says
Kathy! What a force of nature! Indomitable, straight talker (with colorful vocabulary), adding so much to all of our lives. Exemplefiying courage and “can do” attitude that helped so many, from rowdy middle schoolers to discouraged adults. We will miss your energy on this plane, dear girl.
Becky and Paul Donaldson says
A life so full of challenges and yet so well and beautifully lived. What a remarkable inspiration she was for all who knew her.
Patrick Rieley says
Ms. Collins was my 8th Grade English teacher and a wonderful one. She always made class fun and exciting along with her pup Monte. I was so saddened to hear of her passing and still remember the times we would take her communion when she was not able to attend Mass. Thoughts and prayers to your family. What a wonderful person.
Ryan J. Jense says
Ms. Collins,
You were my favorite all-time teacher! And believe me, I’ve had many. While we didn’t start out on the right foot (I’ll call it the “getting-to-know” each other phase), which I suppose is true for many taking Middle School English, our early sparks landed me with the privilege of first-chair for the rest of the year. While that chair was initially intended as punishment, it actually served as one of the greatest opportunities of my educational life.
This seat gave me direct access to one of the wittiest, kindest, honest, and inspirational people to grace this planet. While there was a clear student/teacher delineation in the strict sense, Ms. Collins had a special way into her students’ hearts. English was the Class, but Life was the Lesson. She would enrich her prepositional phrase didactics with stories from her time at the Prison, or with deep insight into life from a wheelchair. These were never self-serving stories or lessons, but rather clear lenses of perspective, grit, and wisdom.
While gracing that first-chair, Ms. Collins learned that I had a severe repulsion to cotton balls. The sensation of them rubbing between my fingers produced, and still does, that fingernails on the chalkboard feeling. Well, believe you me, that little bit of knowledge did not go unnoticed to her. I received my first envelop of cotton balls upon completion of her English class, a second upon High School Graduation, and a third after completion of my undergraduate degree.
Life IS funny…..
Years passed, and while attending at the hospital, I heard ruminations coming from the anesthesia residents that there was a patient who had osteogenesis imperfecta scheduled for an operation. I asked them if by chance she was from Montana; and sure enough!
She was greeted the next morning with a large envelop stuffed with cotton balls. While it took a few minutes for her to put it together (I’ll blame it on the meds), we shared a great laugh and a morning full of memories.
So Ms. Collins, while I’m sure you could find a handful of grammatical inconsistencies, or some prepositions not quite up to snuff, you get the perfect grade in Life from me. Here’s to you resting eternally comfortable on a mountain of heavenly cotton balls.
Love always,
Ryan Jense (class of ’87)
Rosalie Walsh says
I am saddened to read of Kathy’s passing. I knew her through Carroll College and beyond. I will never forget her sharp wit. She was a joy to be around. My condolences to her family.
Sincerely,
Rosalie Walsh
Jim Myers says
I knew Kathy through my brother, Ed Myers, with whom she worked and who also had Oi. She was charming, insightful and funny! I know several others in the Oi community and have found every one of them to be a force of nature. They are a blessing to us not only through their friendship but as examples of perseverance, overcoming, and achieving. My sincere condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and students on the loss of a beautiful and remarkable person.
Marilyn Hayes says
I knew Kathy when I taught at CRA. We became good friends and liked getting together with our dogs. She was so very intelligent and funny and irreverent…..she really cracked me up. She could find the humor in any situation. What a rare human being and a remarkable teacher. I will always get a smile on my face when I think of her. Rest in peace, dear Kathy.
John B. says
Kathy was one hell of a good teacher for all us hellions.
Tina Fletcher says
I’m Kathy’s Texas cousin, and whenever we made it up her way, my husband Rick and I usually found ourselves in a Kathy-stye adventure. Recently, we all decided a trip to a radon mine in Boulder was in order – with Kathy behind the wheel. Little did we know it was a big day for Mennonites in the radon mine. As we cruised into the cave with Kathy’s power chair festooned with all sorts of stuffed animals and bits of craziness, we were met by a huge number of gaping Mennonite children. Kathy instantly greeted the children and parents with her usual salty and joyous language, then proceeded to hold court, going into full-on teacher mode. Soon, we were freezing, and it was time to go. The families escorted us out of the cave, calling farewell to Kathy and asking her to come back tomorrow…It was just another day in the life of one of this world’s truly unique souls.
Diane Mckeever Langenfus says
Kathy was always her very own person and spoke pretty straight forward. I first met her in the early 80’s and was always interested in hearing stories of her time teaching at the prison. She was always fun to be around and she will be greatly missed.
Gloria O'Rourke says
I have so many incredible memories of Kathy I don’t know where to begin…from cussing like a pirate to sharing words of wisdom to always being “there” when needed. The Wingless Wonder when both arms were broken (some would do anything to get out of Ms Brisbin’s steno class) and a comfort to others countless times. I can only image your entrance into heaven, Kathy – wow! The Anaconda High School Class of 1975 will not be the same.
Nancy Wemyss says
I worked with Kathy at C.R. A. She was an amazinging teacher and person. I loved and still love her dearly. I picture her conscripting my husband, John, to help her care for all the heavenly dogs and cats. They will have some laughs. She will be missed and mourned by all of those who knew her.
Jenny Kaleczyc says
Ms. Collins was one of my favorite teachers. How lucky I was to be her student. Thinking of her family and friends.
Sandy Johnson says
We were childhood friends. Lots of memories playing at her grandparents’ and the time we went to Girl Scout camp! What an amazing woman!
Nancy says
I’m afraid there’ll be no peace up there!
God rest your dear, sweet, funny, loving soul Kathy. You’ll be missed.
Justin Greve says
Ms. Collins, as she liked to be addressed, because, in her words, “I didn’t MISS anything”, was one of the teachers I’ll never forget. God bless you Kathy.
Jenny Bomar says
She was such a nice lady. I was very she and awkward at the time I was her student and she always made me feel like I mattered.
Marilyn Jurenka says
I was fortunate to be able to hang out with Kathy at College in Helena. She was always so full of laughs and quick wit. Rest In Peace!
Shelly Calnan-Severson says
Kathy was such an inspiration to me. I spent a couple of months at Shriners and shared a room with her when we were both ten years old. She was so funny and always happy. Kathy’s mom was also sweet as can be and was visited Kathy everyday I didn’t see Kathy again until we both attended Carroll College. Really, Kathy accomplished so much in her life, but above all, she taught us about tenacity and resilience. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Heaven has open arms and hugs for you, Kathy!! So blessed to have known you!!
Shelly Calnan-Severson says
Kathy was such an inspiration to me. I spent a couple of months at Shriners and shared a room with her when we were both ten years old. She was so funny and always happy. Kathy’s mom was also sweet as can be and visited Kathy everyday. I didn’t see Kathy again until we both attended Carroll College. Really, Kathy accomplished so much in her life, but above all, she taught us about tenacity and resilience and to not take life too serious. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Heaven has open arms and hugs for you, Kathy!! So blessed to have known you!!
Jackalynn Snow says
Kathy was an amazing person; I am so grateful that I got to become part of her family. Cory and I both followed in her footsteps by becoming teachers, and she was a wealth of hilarious stories and advice that was on-point. I will always remember her hiccup remedy, and I know that she could outperform any class clown!
Kathy was very special to our kids, and she will be so missed. They appreciated how she respected their intelligence and never spoke down to them. They also loved that she enjoyed fart jokes as much as they do. The most beloved books on our shelves are from Kathy; she always gave the gift of literacy, and she had a gift for finding the perfect book.
She was brave, blunt, and beautiful. There was never a dull moment in her presence. I cherish every story she told, and I hope that I can reflect even a fraction of the generosity and kindness that she gave us. I hope that she knew how much will all loved and admired her.
Cory Snow says
When I was a kid we would go to Kathy’s house to visit, and the highlight for me was always getting to sit in Kathy’s backup wheelchair. I remember pictures of us sitting in the wheelchairs, smiling, laughing, and having a good time. At that time, I wanted to be like Kathy.
She always sent me books for birthdays and Christmases. Every one. Even when I was a punky teenager, there’d be a big box of books ready for me at these holidays. Although she was already retired at this stage of my life, she was still teaching–teaching me that acquiring knowledge and literacy was important in understanding the world and being a better person. I chose to be a teacher in large part because of her–I wanted to be like Kathy.
Her professional accomplishments proved that she had grit, determination and resilience. Her personal life showed all these, plus the biggest heart and the sharpest sense of humor imaginable. She overcame. She was a conqueror. She faced her challenges with a wry smile and a cutting remark, a sense of “I’ve got this.” Her life is an inspiration. I still want to be like Kathy.
Sarah Holnbeck Shearer says
Kathy D. Collins. What a big personality and amazing educator she was. Even after twenty years and several cross country moves… I still have my poetry book.
Julie OConnor says
Kathy- May you rest with Jesus in comfort. I will miss you at the hairdresser’s and supermarket. We had some great times together and lots of laughs. I will miss you. I still love you and always will.
James Maher says
It was one of my life’s Greatest pleasures to have known Kathy. A bright light in a sometimes dark world. She had the courage to live a generous life always kind usually humorous. I wish I could relay more of the humor that I enjoyed with Kathy. Even today it brings joy to my eyes and tears to my heart.
Jodel Fohn says
Ms. Collins is one of the most brilliant educators I’ve had. I’ve enjoyed being friends with her as an adult and her sense of humor and honesty were unbeatable. I’m sorry to learn of her passing.
Becky Woods Hohn says
Ms. Collins was my English teacher. She was such a great teacher and she made her class fun. She was very kind. She was inspiring and I enjoyed learning from her very much. I was lucky to have her as a teacher. I’m sorry to hear of her passing. Condolences to her loved ones.
JJ says
What an inspirational life spent.
I wish I could have met her.
Blessing
Morgan Gabbert says
Ms. Collins was an absolute hoot! She had the personality and vocabulary of no teacher I knew up to that point (8th grade). She was one of my favorites and helped to teach me and my fellow classmates that you never have to “grow up” and to keep dreaming and expanding your knowledge and talents.
Thank you for being a wonderful and hilarious human being.