Memorial

Jade Rodeen (Johnson) Bruyere, 51, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She was surrounded by her loving family, friends, her beloved service dog, and excellent hospital staff. Please join Jade’s family for her Celebration of life Visitation and Memorial Service to be held at First Lutheran Church, located at 1000 3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA on Thursday, May 4th, 2023. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. and the Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 A.M. Lunch will be available thereafter in the lower level of the church. Following lunch, Jade’s Inurnment Ceremony will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, located at 4200 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA.  

Survivors include her parents, G. Richard and Jacqueline R.  Johnson, brother Justin R. and his wife Tamra “Tami” L. Johnson, their children Hannah E. Johnson and Wesley R. Johnson, Aunt Marlene Nelson, Uncle Randy (Judi) Johnson, Uncle Bud Culbert, cousins: Nicky Huyen, Brent Nelson, Kip Johnson, Kirstine Sparks, Kasie Sanderson, Kelly Dean, and Jade’s service dog, Eminem. 

Preceding Jade in death was her baby brother Joel E. Johnson, husband Colin Bruyere, grandparents Gustave and Frieda Johnson, Leonard and Mildred Rodeen, Aunty Pam Culbert, Uncle Bill Nelson, Uncle Bob Rodeen, Jade’s dog, Peaches, and her cat Whiskers.  

Jade was born on March 23, 1972, in Nebraska to adoptive parents G. Richard and Jaqueline R. Johnson. Though Cedar Rapids was considered her hometown, Jade lived her earlier years in Santa Ana, California and Dallas, Texas, moving for her father’s employment with Rockwell Collins. Upon returning to Iowa in 1980, Jade continued schooling, participated in Girl Scouts with her mom, and became a member at First Lutheran and graduated from Regis High School in 1990. Following graduation, Jade pursued her career interests and hobbies by attending nursing, computer and pet grooming courses at Kirkwood Community College. She was employed by United Way of Iowa, Goodwill Industries, Animal Care Hospital, and Kwik Shop Convenience Stores. Jade had natural abilities in writing and music. She shared her gift in writing often by authoring poems for special occasion cards and exercised her giftedness in music playing tunes for others on her piano, organ or trumpet. Jade’s expertise with web design and YouTube moderation allowed her to help many, especially people with special needs, by designing and helping manage video and website platforms. For a short time, Jade started her own channel with the goal to raise awareness about people with handicaps or special needs. Furthermore, Jade loved to study weather. This interest led to Jade becoming a licensed volunteer as a Linn County Skywarn Spotter. She made sure to keep her family well informed of inclement weather conditions for their safety. Jade was always a very caring person and helped others wherever possible.

It was Jade’s talent with computers and online platforms where she would discover and marry her husband Colin Bruyere from Fort Francis, Ontario, Canada. The couple exchanged vows and committed their life together on September 2, 2006, at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Jade and Colin shared many wonderful years together. They cared for their two cats, Muffin and Whiskers. They enjoyed their common interests together including wood burn crafting, opening a small business they named, Flying Eagle Crafts and Photography. They enjoyed cheering on their favorite football teams; NASCAR racing, visiting around a campfire, and traveling with the Sundance Singers, a native American drum group, of which Colin was a member. Jade joined Colin as an active Member of Cedar River First Nations Community. Through this community, they met Pastor Mark Ravenhair Pena, who became Colin’s Spiritual mentor and one of Jade and Colin’s closest friends. For many years, Jade was Colin’s full-time caregiver and excellent in-home nurse when he struggled with a chronic health condition. When Colin passed away in 2018, Jade was granted a service dog named Eminem by Pastor Mark and his sons. Eminem assisted Jade with Colin’s passing and her personal health conditions. His service and companionship enabled Jade to continue her volunteer efforts, her love for camping and making people laugh with her witty sense of humor. One special activity Jade shared regularly with her dad and Eminem was shopping at Theisen’s where the three enjoyed popcorn or browsing Costco where Eminem go most of his exercise. We are thankful to God for our years with Jade! She will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts!  

A Special Thank You: Dr. Mary Ann Nelson, St. Luke’s Hospital Staff, Doctors and Nurses; University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Staff, ICU Doctors and Nurses; Pastor Mark Ravenhair Pena, his sons Zach and Isaac; First Nations Community; Craig Stump; and Pastor Kay Slocum. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in honor of Jade Rodeen (Johnson) Bruyere to the following: First Lutheran Church; First Nations Community at crfnc.org or 1225 1st Avenue NW 72 Mt. Vernon, IA, 52314; St. Luke’s Foundation at 810 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.