Amy Denise Jabens

Amy Denise Jabens, 56, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at The Legacy Center at Murdoch-Linwood in Cedar Rapids. Burial will take place at Linwood Cemetery at a later date.

Amy was born March 26, 1970, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Larry and Deanna (Otto) McNabb. She graduated from Washington High School in Vinton, Iowa and received her Bachelors of Science degree at Iowa State University while a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She then received her Masters of Science in Education from the University of Northern Iowa. She was a National Board Certified Educator. On July 30, 1994, Amy was united in marriage to Dan Jabens at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vinton, Iowa. She taught science at Cal-Latimer High School, Solon High School and Prairie High School (College Community School District). Amy loved to work out and stay active and spend time with her family. She enjoyed watching Iowa State sports, Iowa Hawkeye women’s wrestling and was a steadfast Green Bay Packer fan. Amy was an advocate for women in science and all STEM programs.

She was one of the most understanding and patient teachers. Her kindness and compassion showed in everything she did. Amy was always intentional with her students, making each of them feel seen and supported. She had a passion for life, friends and family. Amy loved deeply and was loved by all who knew her.

Survivors include her husband of 32 years, Dan Jabens of Cedar Rapids; children, Clay (Dayrelis) Jabens of Hyattsville, Maryland, Kayla Jabens of Orlando, Florida, and Carly Jabens of Cedar Rapids; mother, Deanna McNabb of Cedar Rapids; brothers-in-law, Paul Jabens of Cedar Rapids and Kurt (Angie) Kerkman of Vinton; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Larry McNabb and her mother-in-law, Ann Marie Kerkman.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a memorial science scholarship fund to be established in Amy’s honor.