Wanda Lee Collins

On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, Wanda Lee Collins passed away at age 81 in her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Florence Anderson; son Richard; sisters: Louise Iversen, Kay Herman; brothers: Jerry Anderson and Ronald Anderson.

Wanda is survived by her husband Raymond Edgar; three daughters: Robin Nichols (Rob), Shawna Ciddio (CJ) and Nancy Jimenez (Tom); grandchildren Joshua, Jesse, Courtney and Carleigh, great-grandson Finn; sisters: Phyllis Carda, Darla Montgomery (Gene), Margene Rambur (Gordy).

She was known for her dedication and her love for the simple pleasures in life. Wanda was born on December 21, 1941 in Sidney, Montana. She attended school in Sidney and graduated high school in 1959. After graduation, she attended cosmetology school in Billings, Montana. While in Billings she met Edgar, her husband of 61 years.

After working as a beautician for several years, she began a long career as a professional seamstress. Her love for sewing began at an early age and continued for many years. In addition to making clothes for individuals and businesses, it was common for her to sew uniforms for high school and college marching bands and even the Governor of New Mexico.

After “retiring” as a seamstress, she then pursued her other hobby and began quilting, which was her passion for over 20 years. Wanda never sold her award-winning quilts but had them featured on the local news show during the International Balloon Fiesta, in auctions and gifted them to everyone from family and friends, to medical staff, to housecleaners. One of the many road trips that she and Ed had gone on in their roomy motor home was even a quilting trip with fellow quilters visiting both cultural spots and quilt shops and events.

Wanda's Life Celebration will take place on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 10:00 am at Reflections Chapel located at 2400 Washington St NE, 87110.

Wanda's Life Celebration will be live streamed on Salazar Mortuary's Facebook page. To view the live stream click on link below at the scheduled time. The live stream will begin when the service begins.