Janelle McCollins

Janelle Marie McCollins of Maple Grove, MN, peacefully entered Heaven on August 21, 2025 after a courageous 6-year battle with breast and bone marrow cancer.

Janelle is survived by her husband of 26 years Patrick “PJ”; daughters Maddie (24) and Maya (20), and son Max (22); mother Betty Sinette; sisters Karey Sue Sinette, Jolene Nehrbass, and Leslie (Steve) Samse; cousin Sean (Becky) Sinette; mother-in-law Roseanne McCollins; brother-in-law Dan (Sue) McCollins; sisters-in-law Maureen (Mike) Erickson, Mary (Doug) Hackett, and Katie (Adrian) Sale; and her beloved nieces and nephews. She is proceeded in death by her father Jim Sinette, father-in-law Tom McCollins and niece Carly Nauman.

Born and raised in Chippewa Falls, WI, Janelle loved to brag that her hometown was the birthplace of Leinenkugel’s beer and Olson’s Ice Cream. Her childhood was spent at Camp Manitou and O’Neil Creek Campground. At an early age, she learned to love cards, cribbage, and bar games at Four Corners with her Mom, Dad and Sisters. Some of her fondest memories were visits to the family farm, playing with cousins, and enjoying her Grandma’s famous pumpkin bars and bologna sandwiches.

A proud educator, Janelle earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and her graduate degree from St. Cloud State University. She loved children and found her calling as a media specialist “librarian” at Otsego Elementary School. Her enthusiasm made the library a magical place. Whether she was dressing up as the Otsego Eagle, the Cat in the Hat, or another beloved character, she brought learning to life for her students.

Her greatest passion, however, was her family. Janelle adored her husband, PJ and three children - Maddie, Max, and Maya, who were the center of her world.

She loved time spent on the front porch sipping tea and reflecting, though on Halloween it became the scariest house in the neighborhood as she transformed into the “Wickedest Witch”, scaring young trick-or-treaters.

Janelle found joy in baking chocolate chip cookies, Christmas cut-outs, and rhubarb bread. She loved celebrating birthdays, especially fitting for someone born on Christmas Eve, who said, “There’s always a party with family on my birthday.” Another passion of Janelle’s was searching for treasures at garage sales, where she was known to barter with homeowners and make new friends along the way. She made exercise fun, teaching jazzercise and attending yoga with her family.

Family time was sacred to Janelle. She cherished summers at the cabin on Sullivan Lake and winter vacations to Manasota Key, FL, always making time to watch the sunset.

Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her actions and sustaining her through prayer, giving her remarkable strength and resilience throughout her battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday August 28, 2025 at 11:00am with visitation prior to service at 9:30-11:00am at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 155 County Road 24, Wayzata, MN 55391. Luncheon following mass where stories of Janelle will be shared.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School.

Janelle lived by the words, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

Memorial Mass 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 28 at the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, 155 County Road 24, Medina.

Visitation 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 28, 2025 prior to the Mass at the church.