Jean Ann Gotts

Jean Ann (Collins) Gotts, 87, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026. She was born on July 2, 1938, and lived a life defined by devotion to her family, service to others, enduring faith, and a love of music, art, and friendship.

Jean grew up in Johnstown, New York, and graduated from Johnstown High School. She then attended Albany Medical Center Nursing School, where she earned her Registered Nursing degree. Shortly after graduation, she married her middle-school sweetheart, Arthur Wilford Gotts, Sr., beginning a remarkable marriage that would span 65 years.

The couple first moved to Detroit while Art attended dental school. After his graduation, they returned to New York and settled in Clifton Park, where they raised their four children and created a lively home filled with family, friends, and an ever-changing collection of beloved animals, including dogs, cats, hamsters, ducks, deer, cows, goats, sheep, and horses. Jean devoted herself wholeheartedly to her growing family and became a full-time mother to her active household.

As the years passed, Jean and Art relocated several times, living in Florida, Tennessee, northern Georgia, and eventually returning to Florida, where she spent her final years surrounded by family. Throughout her life, Jean found fulfillment in caring for others. In addition to her work as a nurse, she volunteered extensively through her church and her children’s schools. She also served as a volunteer with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), advocating for children in foster care and working to improve their experiences and outcomes. In Florida, she worked alongside her husband in his dental practice, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others.

Jean’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children: Teri Barenborg (Ed), Shellie Banfield (Gary), Arthur W. Gotts Jr. “Brud,” and Douglas Gotts (Marianna). She was a proud grandmother to Jacqueline Stoelting (Travis), Andrew Barenborg, Brett Banfield (Jenn), Justin Barenborg (Michele), Blaire Banfield (Greg Flaig), Courtney Priest (Dean), Greyson Gotts, and Piper Gotts. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Baren Stoelting and Baylor Stoelting.

She is further survived by her brother, Martin Collins (Marylynne), along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Jean had many passions beyond caring for her family. She was deeply involved in her church, enjoyed painting and cooking, and was an accomplished pianist. One of her favorite stories was how she met Art in middle school. As she often recounted, he played the drums in the school band, and wanting to be near him, she chose to play the cymbals. Though she played the piano beautifully, pianists did not march in parades, so she proudly “played the heck out of the cymbals” instead.

Music remained a source of joy throughout her life. Among her most treasured experiences were singing with a choral group in Tallinn, Estonia, during the 1991 Bridges of Song for Peace Festival, and playing piano in a pub in Ireland, performing many of her beloved Irish tunes.

Jean faced life’s challenges with grace and resilience. She was a two-time breast cancer survivor and maintained cherished lifelong friendships, remaining connected with friends even as she navigated the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

Jean deeply loved her husband and missed him every day following his passing. Their enduring love story began in middle school and continued throughout their lives, serving as an inspiration to all who knew them.

A private family burial will be held at a future date to celebrate the lives of Jean and Arthur Gotts, Sr. Though they will be greatly missed, their family finds comfort in a life well lived, a love well shared, and the countless memories they leave behind.

Jean’s kindness, strength, humor, faith, and unwavering love for her family will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.