Janet C. (Vacek, Siedlik) Collins
February 14, 1948 – May 27, 2022
VISITATION: Thursday, June 2nd from 10am to 11am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 5801 Oak Hills Drive, followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 11am. Family Interment, Calvary Cemetery. Memorials will be directed by the family.
To view a live broadcast of the Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
Jan was born a Valentine’s day baby on February 14, 1948 in Omaha, Nebraska to Victor and Helen (Collins) Vacek. She was 3rd of 9 children.
Jan grew up in the Christie Heights area of Omaha. She attended St. Mary’s grade school and later Archbishop Ryan High School.
Jan married Leonard Siedlik in 1969 and became the mother of two sons, Jeff and Chad Siedlik.
Jan continued her education while raising her boys and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She loved children and began teaching 2nd and 3rd grade at Immaculate Conception Church School. She continued studying while working and later obtained her Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling from UNO, after which she was recruited as a Guidance Counselor in the Elkhorn Public School System where she worked for eight years.
Colorado:
Jan first fell in love with the mountains on her honeymoon to Loveland Colorado, and the mountains became the family’s favorite destination for both summer and winter vacations.
In 1993, after her kids had both graduated from high school, Jan decided to make the mountains her home. She moved to Durango, Colorado with her second husband, Jerry Monaghan.
Jan always lit up when she spoke of her very first job in Durango: working at a restaurant midway up the mountain at Purgatory Ski Resort where she “had to” to ski both to and home from work each day.
She found work as a counselor again; however the work was an hour away and across the border in New Mexico. Rather than leave Durango, she simply found great friends to carpool with. The community of Durango was becoming her family, and she would live there for nearly 30 years.
Jan became very involved in Durango’s “Seniors Outdoors!” group. She could not get enough of biking, hiking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing…even ice climbing.
After retiring from the school system, Jan began traveling the world through volunteer organizations. The Peace Corps and other charitable groups gave her the opportunity to help others while seeing places like Africa, Central America and New Zealand.
GranJan, as she was lovingly known by her family, passed away in Omaha on Friday May 27 after a battle with cancer. She was in peace and comfort, surrounded by family.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents Victor and Helen Vacek and her brother Bob Vacek. She is survived by her sons, Jeff Siedlik (wife Lee) and Chad Siedlik (wife Melissa); grandchildren Elin Siedlik, James Siedlik, Vivienne Siedlik, Max Siedlik, Benjamin Siedlik, and Lily Siedlik; brothers: Ed Vacek S.J. and Bill Vacek; sisters: Joanne Kolell (Dennis), Sue Smith (Chuck), Mary Williamson (Marty), Kathy Vacek-Renter, and Vicki Andersen (Tim); and multiple nieces and nephews.
11 Comments
Jeff, Lee, Chad , Melissa and family, May God wrap his loving arms around you all in this time of need.🙏 Aunt Janet was a special Lady. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and Hugs Love. Spohn’s
It’s a sad day when we lose a classmate. We are keeping Janet and her family in our thoughts
and prayers. May she Rest In Peace.
Went to grade school and high school with Janet. She was a great friend. Lost touch soon after high school and was wondering how she was and where she might be. Glad to hear she had a happy life in the mountains. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and yours. Sincerely, Rose O’Connor Emsick
We have been saying prayers for your family. Jan has made a difference in so many lives. I am grateful to be a part of her family.
Janet was a wonderful neighbor to Joe and I, and her sons Chad and Jeff were like family..in and out of our home while growing up.Although we lost touch over the years we always have fond thoughts and good memories of Jan. Rest in peace Jan and we know you are watching over your family. Mary and Joe
Janet was my first friend. Our large families lived only two houses from each other. We did everything with the Vacek family. Janet and I were classmates at St. Mary’s and Archbishop Ryan High School. I will always remember Jan and the great times we had together., I am grateful that we were able to see each other again about 5 years ago.. My sincere condolences to her entire family and friends. She will be missed by many.
Janet was my cousin on my
mother’s side. We spent a lot of time with her and her siblings growing up.
Although I have not seen her for many, many years, I remember her as a loving, vivacious human being.
May God take her into his arms and give her peace.
And peace to the family and friends that she left behind.
Jan was a very special friend. We worked together as counselors in Millard for many years with elementary and middle school students. Her family was very precious to her. She was very close to her brothers and sisters and enjoyed Thanksgivings especially with everyone. I will miss her so much.
So sorry to hear about Jan’s passing will always be a special person to me.
Jeff and Lee, we love you and your family. I’m honored to have met Jan briefly and know she will be missed. All our l prayers. Laura & Matt Martin
My warmest thoughts today are for you Jeff and Chad, my friends. I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother Jan. May she rest in peace.
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