Heidi Jacalyne Collins

Heidi Jacalyne (Petre) Collins died unexpectedly in her home on November 19 in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 42.

Heidi is survived by her 12-year-old son, Jonah of Nashville, parents, Dale and Mary Petre of Champaign, IL, sister, Katrina Canfield, brother-in-law, Troy Canfield, and two nephews, Ian and Silas Canfield of Alexandria, IN.

Heidi was born on September 21, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan. She graduated from Pontiac Township High School in Illinois in 2000, Anderson University in Indiana with a BSN in 2004, and Vanderbilt University in Tennessee with an NP in 2007. 

Heidi’s family and friends remember her as fun, creative, smart, musical, friendly, and witty. She had a bright smile and a contagious laugh, and her genuine spirit made people feel welcome and accepted. She carried a light with her when she entered the room and had a kind and generous spirit. As one of her friends describes, "She was light and love and enthusiasm, all rolled into one supremely kind, dangerously funny human.”

Heidi was passionate about helping others and utilized her nursing skills in various capacities over the years. She was a true creative, always crafting unique and quirky items, her most popular endeavor being her Etsy shop with custom-made sock monkeys: Show Me The Monkeys

A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, January 13, at 1 pm at the Vineyard Church in Urbana, Illinois. Visiting hours will follow the service until 3 pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Heidi’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to World Vision International at www.worldvision.org/donate