Shirley M. Heckman, age 84, of Willard, Ohio passed away Sunday, December 13 at Advent Hospital in Sebring, Florida following a brief illness. She was born June 17, 1936 in Willard to the late Neil and Velma (Moon) Slessman. Shirley was a member of the New Haven United Methodist Church and also attended St. John United Methodist Church in Sebring, Florida during the winter months. She was a long time employee of Willard City Schools as an administrative secretary. Shirley was also a volunteer at both Mercy Health Hospital in Willard as well as Advent Hospital in Sebring, Florida. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling with her friends from both Willard and Sebring, sewing, playing cards and her beloved pet schnauzers. Shirley also enjoyed vacationing at Lake Erie with her husband Edward and was a collector of lighthouse artwork, needlepoint and figurines.
Shirley is survived by her three children Gerald Heckman (partner Regina Whitaker) of Willard, Tom (Kelly) Heckman of Bluffton and Steve (Rebecca) Heckman of Hamilton; Grandchildren Bryan (Jennifer) Heckman, Lori Giesige, Shane (Rebecca) Heckman, Erica (Jason) Bowling, John Heckman and Elizabeth Heckman; and Great grandchildren Halle, Braden, Tenley and Carson; Sister in Law Joanne (Jim) Fidler of New Haven; Sisters in Law Dorothy (late Duane) Slessman and Cork (late Cloyce) Slessman; and Brother in Law Chuck (Inez) Podgursky, and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Edward, whom she married February 21, 1959. Her parents Neil and Velma Slessman, her brothers Cloyce, Duane and Raymond Slessman, her sister Inez Podgursky, daughter in law, Judy (Jerry) Heckman and Sister in Law Cathy (Raymond) Slessman.
For safety reasons, her funeral service and calling hours will be private with family only. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Haven United Methodist Church, 2644 Prairie St., New Haven, Ohio, 44850, or St. John United Methodist Church, 33631 Grand Prix Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872. Online condolences may be made to Shirleys family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
William McDaniel - Dec 30, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. We worked briefly together at RRD. In fact she got me started in the Accounting Dept. there. She will be missed. My condolences go out to the entire Family.
Riley and Carol Farmer - Dec 24, 2020
Shirley was such a lovely person. We were very saddened by her death and will miss her. Prayers for family as they cope with their loss.
Lorraine Cornell - Dec 18, 2020
I’d like to send my deepest sympathy to all the family. I’ve lost a good friend but you have lost a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She had a vibrant nature that made everyone enjoy her company. She will be missed greatly.
Jean & Neil Knutson - Dec 18, 2020
So sorry for your loss. We will miss Shirley in Sebring Village, Florida. Cherish The Memories. Jean & Neil Knutson
Suzanne DeVene - Dec 17, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Shirley was such a sweet and friendly person who will be missed by many people. May your wonderful memories of her help ease your sorrow.
Shirley and Robert Gorham - Dec 17, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Shirley's family. We are so sorry for the loss of your love one . Rest in peace Shirley.
Paul Gase - Dec 17, 2020
Shirley was such a kind and caring person. Our sympathy to her family on the loss of a wonderful person. I am confident that her good influence will live on through the many lives she touched.
Jeff and Marsha Danhoff - Dec 17, 2020
So sorry to hear about Shirley. I met her through Jane Slessman. What wonderful women in our community. Our sincere sympathy.
Larry and Phyllis Hamons - Dec 17, 2020
Jerry and family, so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was a very sweet lady. May God be with you and give you comfort.
Sandi And Mick Obrien - Dec 17, 2020
Jerry and Family
So sorry to hear about your Mom
She never forgot my name anytime I saw her
Always had a smile
God Bless
Wendy Daniel - Dec 17, 2020
Thinking of the Heckman Family as you mourn the loss of Shirley. Shirley worked with my Mom at WHS and she was a good friend to her. Sending my condolences and praying for comfort and peace to the family.
Susan Moore - Dec 17, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with the Heckman family in the loss of Shirley. She was a true friend to teachers and students alike at WHS. At this time of year, I never pass her house in New Haven without looking for Santa Claus on her porch. Wishing you all peace and comfort in the memories you share.
Joni Buckingham Robinson - Dec 17, 2020
Shirley was such a wonderful cousin and friend. Shirley, Ed and my in-laws Budd and Linda Robinson, are back together again! She was such a good friend to my mother too! She touched so many lives. She will be missed!
Darren Stevens - Dec 17, 2020
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. Thoughts and prayers from the Stevens family. Truly sorry for your loss.
Tina Carr - Dec 16, 2020
So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was such a nice person and always had a smile on her face
Jeff and Sandi Blunt - Dec 16, 2020
My thoughts are with the family. I pray for peace and comfort. She left an amazing impact on so many at the high school. I'm so thankful I knew her and blessed my life with her son, Steve.
Sherrill Buurma Meenen - Dec 16, 2020
Condolences to Shirley s family. So sorry for the loss of your loved one. Absent from the body, at home with her Lord!
Bob & LaVonne Ayres - Dec 16, 2020
So sorry to hear the sad news about Shirley. She was a wonderful lady who was loved by and will be missed by many. Kind thoughts and prayers are going out to her family and friends. May God grant you strength and comfort for the difficult days ahead, and fond memories for the years to come.
Jerry and Jan Stackhouse - Dec 16, 2020
We were deeply saddened to hear the news of Shirley's passing. She was a beautiful friend to so many and will certainly be missed. Prayers for comfort and peace to the family.
Janet Dawson - Dec 16, 2020
Sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. I enjoyed learning from her in sewing club. Prayers to all. 🙏
Jo Storts - Dec 16, 2020
Shirley was a great lady. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Sending Love & Prayers to all her family & friends❤
Leslie Maschue - Dec 16, 2020
Shirley will be greatly missed. She was so much fun to be around. She was such a fun loving person. I am so sorry for the families loss, and for the loss of a great friend.
Denny Doughty - Dec 16, 2020
May God bless Shirley and her family. She was a sweet person and a great friend and employee for the Willard City schools.
Larry and Fran Smith - Dec 16, 2020
To all the Heckman Family , you are all in our thoughts and prayers for the loss of this beautiful person. Shirley loved life and shared it with all her family and friends, she always left the door opened to get together with us all to share a story, a memory, a good, and so much more. May the Lord comfort you all and bless you with heart warming memories of your mother, grandmother, great grandmother, family member, and friend. She will not be forgotten. Thank you Shirley for being so full of life and always sharing that with us. You will be sadly missed. God be with you all. Love
Trish Palmer tarr - Dec 16, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear about Shirley's passing. Grew up living across the street from the Heckman Family in New Haven. Have many fond memories of Shirley. Fly high with the angels Shirley. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Carol J. Hostetler - Dec 16, 2020
I will miss my traveling partner. Loved her dearly. Blessings to the family she loved so much.
