Susan Ann Collins

Susan Collins, a retired nurse who became known to many in Omaha as “the flower lady,” died Aug. 10. After a long battle with dementia and a shorter one with heart failure and kidney failure, she died surrounded by family. She was 76.

Susan’s family would like to thank the employees of Suncrest Hospice and Aksarben Village Senior Living for the outstanding care they provided.

Susan was born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1947 to Roscoe J. Costner and Dorothy Costner. The family later moved to Illinois, where she graduated from Elgin High School in 1965. She married Steven M. Collins in 1966, and they were married 26 years. They had two children, Steve J. Collins and Suzie R. McCann. Susan worked at the University of Iowa registrar’s office for more than 20 years registering students for classes. She later became a nursing student at Kirkwood Community College. After undergoing a double bypass weeks before her expected graduation, she completed her degree one semester later at age 49. She would go on to work at Oaknoll Retirement Residence and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. After being diagnosed with early-onset dementia, Susan moved to Lakeside Village in 2015. While at Lakeside, she began buying flowers and planting them in the courtyard. She continued this practice after moving to Aksarben Village Senior Living in 2017. She was proceeded in death by her life partner, P.D. Letz of Iowa City.

There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony at 2 p.m. on Aug. 14 at Aksarben Village Senior Living. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. http://act.alz.org/goto/BallgownsforSmilesinMemoryofSue