Mrs. Jutta Kauffeld Collins

Collins, Jutta; 1961-2011 Our sweet loving butterfly has moved on to a more peaceful surrounding. She flew away with a smile on her face on Sept. 3, 2011 at the young age of 50. Jutta gave endless love to her husband Wayne and son Troy. Beloved daughter to Elfriede and the late Hermann Kauffeld. Missed by sisters Karin (Bill), Inge (Karl) of N.Z, Iris (Keith) of N.Z, and Mona (William) of B.C. Survived by many nieces & nephews. Jutta was a compassionate, caring and giving person who was loved by countless friends & acquaintances. A celebration of life memorial service will be held Sat. Sept.10 at Westmount Funeral Chapel Kitchener, 1001 Ottawa St. S. Kitchener (519) 743-8900. Family welcomes guests from 9:30 am with service at 11 and reception to follow. Sincere thanks to Drs. Campbell, Basrur, Stevenson, Jakda, Schwartz; (Martha), CCAC & community nurses, special thanks to Agnes (RN), and to all her friends for their devoted assistance and encouragement. Jutta, you will be missed dearly and remembered passionately by all. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift can be made to Hospice, or GRCC Cancer Center. Share a memory or make a donation at www.westmountfunernalchapel.com

BIOGRAPHY

Jutta came into this world on February 22, 1961 in Lueneburg, Germany. At the tender age of 9 months, she traveled to Canada on an immigration ship with her mother and three older sisters, Karin, Inge and Iris. Her father had already arrived in Canada 6 months earlier to start a new life for his young family. Because of the number of Germans that had settled in Kitchener, her father thought that this would be a good place to raise his family.

Her first language was German, so when she started school she had to learn English. Jutta's first school was Victoria School in downtown Kitchener. The family lived only a few blocks away. They moved after a few years to a newer house and she then went to Wilson Avenue Public School.

By the time she was in grade four, her parents decided that maybe there were warmer climates to live in, and as a result they packed up their belongings and made the long journey to New Zealand by ship. Jutta's oldest sister, Karin, decided to stay in Canada. The family settled in a small ocean community near Wellington, called Petone.

Life was different in New Zealand but Jutta adapted to the new ways like a fish to water. There she lived near the ocean and spent many hours exploring the interesting sea life. She soon began to sound just like a native kiwi, with that New Zealand accent. The schools all had swimming pools and learning to swim was mandatory, so swimming she learned and became quite good at it.

But although the climate was warmer there, her parents longed to go back to Canada, where they felt more at home. Jutta's two other older sisters, Inge and Iris, decided to stay on in New Zealand for a few more years (although a few years turned into a permanent stay). Only Jutta, Mona and their parents returned to Canada.

They originally planned to settle in Vancouver, however plans changed and they moved back to Kitchener where they felt at home. Jutta enrolled in Courtland Senior Public School and then from there went to Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute, where she met life long friends, Brenda, Francis, Roberta, Cindy, and Moni. She graduated in 1980 from grade 12. She was unsure of what career path to take and worked for a short time in a electronics fabrication plant.

Jutta still not knowing what her future held, went back to New Zealand on her own, where she lived for a year. She experienced many different things, including working as an assistant at sheep sheering.

She returned to Canada and enrolled in dental assistant training. Part of her training was with Dr. Vincent Carere. She loved working in dentistry and found she was good at it. Her warm and caring personality and her meticulous ways made her a favourite among patients and staff. She continued working with Dr. Carere for several years and found them to be rewarding years. She wanted to broaden her experiences in dental assisting and worked for several other dentist until settling for the long haul with Dr. Rick Button's practice in Waterloo. Jutta found her time with the "Button Crew" to be immensely rewarding and fulfilling. This team was an extended family to her that she loved and cared about. Her meticulous ways meshed well with Dr. Button, making them an dynamic duo, who complimented each other so well. The majority of her dental career was spent with this team.

During this time, She met the love of her life, Wayne Collins. Jutta met Wayne through her best friend, Marie, who was also in dentistry. Their dating soon lead to an engagement and then marriage. On January 6, 1992, Jutta and Wayne got married in Jamaica at Sandles. Marie was her maid of honour, with family and close friends witnessing the union. It was a beautiful wedding on the blue waters and sunny skies of the Caribbean Island. It was a dream come true for Jutta.

The newly wed couple spent several years together enjoying life which included traveling to Germany and across Canada. In 1999 the family grew and Troy was born at home in Waterloo. Jutta was a great mother who loved and cared for her young son. She was dedicated to her family and loved to do things as a family. She signed up Troy in swimming lessons before he could walk and treasured those moments when she saw him grow and learn.

In early 2000, her father, Hermann Kauffeld, passed away due to an illness with cancer. Later that year, in August, Jutta got life changing news, that she too had been diagnosed with cancer. She did not let this get her down and she picked up herself and fought her breast cancer with all she had. She was always very courageous and optimistic throughout her treatments and her positive attitude was instrumental in giving her many cancer free years. She made the most of her time with her family and friends, and she supported the fight against breast cancer by becoming a member of the Kupsized Dragon Boat team. She loved the friendships she made and camaraderie that the team gave her as well as the effect that paddling had on her well being. She also participated as a cancer survivor in the Relay for Life.

After several cancer free years, Jutta found herself having to go to battle again against the cancer, that returned in 2008. Her friends and family were such a great support to her during this time, and she often said how lucky she was to have such great people around her, who kept her going. The cancer had its ups and downs during this fight, but Jutta always put on a brave face and was determined to beat this disease. She was always able to have a smile ready for anyone who came to see her. She was a true warrior and had an iron will.

Jutta was a true giver and virtually welcomed all into friendships with herself. Jutta was a very thankful individual who went well beyond and thought of others before herself. Her radiant smile captured the hearts of most that met her.

On September 3, 2011, Jutta got her wings, and like a butterfly, she gracefully departed this world.

We have lost a gem, as the late June Collins (mother-inlaw) described her many times in the past.

Rest in peace Jutta and hope your companion birds and butterflies are enjoying your company as they should. We will miss you!