Memorial
Gloria Collins, 84, of Cedar Rapids died at Northbrook Care Center on Wednesday, December 4, 2013. Memorial Services: 11:00 AM Tuesday at St. Paul United Methodist Church Chapel by the Rev. Harlan Gillespie. Inurnment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday at the church one hour prior to the service.
Survivors include her children, Jan J. Collins of Cedar Rapids, Jodi R. Sullivan of Tampa, FL and Judy Nechville of Des Moines, IA.
She is preceded in death by her Father, Adolph Nechville, her Mother, Edna Nechville, brother Stan Nechville and her first daughter Joy.
Gloria was born November 18, 1929 in Cedar Rapids to Adolph and Edna Nechville. She married Melvin Collins in 1951. They were later divorced and she married Dr. John Ware. After his death she married Dr. John Mendel. He died in 1993. Gloria worked as an executive secretary for Shuttleworth and Ingersoll Law Firm for years as well as a receptionist at KCRG-TV and brought joy to all she met. She also worked for AT&T and owned and operated Happy Time Pre-School.
Gloria was a wonderful mother, friend, and loving daughter. She was proud of her Czech heritage and had a wonderful sense of humor. If she saw there was a need and could help, you could not find a better supporter. She enjoyed playing the harmonica and sang in the choir at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church where she was a member for many years. She was the first Homecoming Queen at McKinley High School in 1948.
Gloria enjoyed cooking, gardening, traveling, and reading. She also cherished her travels by City Bus, meeting and befriending countless people that became lifelong friends. She was also a mentor throughout her life to many young people. Her compassion and joy of life made her an inspiration to many.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Northbrook Manor staff and St. Luke’s Hospice team for their care and compassion at this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the organization of your choice.