Donna Collins

Donna Jean Swezey Collins, 86, Topeka, passed away Friday, December 11, 2015 at Aldersgate Village.

Donna was born in Wakefield, Kansas to Donald and Ermah Swezey. Her older sister, Betty Anne, preceded her in death.

Donna's amazing musical gifts became central to her life at a young age. She was an accomplished pianist who performed as a soloist and accompanist as well as with numerous ensembles. She loved playing classical, jazz, pop and religious music.

Donna graduated from Wakefield High School and went on to study music at Kansas State University where she was the premier concert pianist. She met her husband, Bob, also a music student.
After graduating from college, they moved to Oakley to teach in the public schools. Daughter Carolyn was born there, ending Donna's teaching career. From there, they moved to Concordia, where Bob taught school while Donna worked at home, managing their growing family and household. Daughter Deb and son Kim were both born during that time.

The next move was to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Bob decided to study dentistry. His success was supported immensely by Donna's going to work full-time. Throughout these years, Donna continued her musical pursuits, giving piano lessons, putting together women's quartets, and playing dance jobs.

Donna and Bob made Topeka their final home. Donna helped out in Bob's private practice before he joined the dental clinic at the VA. Then she worked for the Kansas Legislature. She continued to play for musical theater productions, soloists, and at dance jobs. She was a constant, pitch-perfect alto in the church choir.

After retirement, she and Bob were popular performers and sing-along leaders in both Topeka and Estes Park, Colorado, where they spent their summers. Donna continued this service after Bob's death in 2008. She and Bob also enjoyed world travels during their retirement, as well as travels across the country to visit kids and grandkids.

Donna had a way with words. Her wit and cleverness were evident in the numerous poems and musical ditties she produced, often spontaneously. New lyrics to familiar tunes were crafted to fit the humor or irony of many situations.

Donna is survived by her three children, Carolyn Warren (Roger) of Olathe, Deb Luckadoo (Tim) of Cary, NC, and Kim (Debbie) of Santa Barbara, CA, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at Crestview United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 S.W. Eveningside Dr., Topeka, KS 66614.

Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel is assisting with arrangements. To leave a special message for the family, visit the guestbook below.