Marie Ellen “Chic” Heckman, 74, of Allegan passed away Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.
Born Dec. 22, 1944, in Allegan, she was the daughter of the late Max Edward “Mike” Wilcox and Ella Louise (Miller) Wilcox and was the wife of Lee Harold Heckman.
Mrs. Heckman devoted her life to caring for others. She spent more than 40 years as a dedicated registered nurse in a variety of settings, including the Allegan County Medical Care Community. Her desire to help others led her to volunteer with both Kids Hope USA and Wings Home.
Mrs. Heckman was an avid reader, loved singing and enjoyed camping. She especially enjoyed spending time baking treats with her grandchildren. She was a member of The River Christian Reformed Church.
Although she gave so much in her service to others, Mrs. Heckman always made her family her top priority. She had no greater joy than spending time with them all and showering them with her love.
In addition to her husband Lee of 51 years, Mrs. Heckman is survived by her sons, Kevin (Kelly) Heckman and Keith (Tracy) Heckman; her siblings, Grace Ann Switzer, Carol (Jerry) Beach and George (Maureen) Wilcox; her siblings-in-law, Linda (Ray) Miles and Roxie (Harry) Thompson; her nieces and nephews, Sonja (Jim) Elmore and son Kaleb, Ryan (Abbie Jo) Wilcox and children, Adelyn and Nellie, Marc (Mary)Wilcox, Marielle (Joe) Kronke and children, Joe and Henry, Jason (Kaitlin) Thompson and son Ferris, Tim (Julie) Thompson and children, Eli and Kayla, Beth (Jason) Schmid and children, Tobin, Lily and Violet, Scott (Debbie) Miles, Jeff (Thuy) Miles and children, Ellie and Arin, and Eric (Cindi) Miles and children, Peyton and Paige; and her grandchildren, Amanda, Charlie, Haley, Drew and Nick.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Clarence “Tink” Wilcox; her parents-in-law, Harold and Gloria Heckman; and her brother-in-law Wayne Switzer.
The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Friday, Jan. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be Saturday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. at The River Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Jim Dykstra officiating. Private interment will take place in Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Allegan County Medical Care Community or Wings Home.
Assisting with arrangements is Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
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