Obituaries

Jane W. Heesen, 89

October 02, 2014

Jane W. Heesen, 89, formerly of Leaf Park and Woodcrest Villa, Lancaster, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2014, at the Mennonite Home in Lancaster. Born August 9, 1925 in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Genevieve (Cavanaugh) Wagner. A 1943 graduate of St. Hubert’s High School for Girls, Philadelphia, Jane worked as secretary in the District Engineer’s Office of the Philadelphia Board of Education from 1945 to 1953.

Jane was a charter member of St. Philip the Apostle Church, Lancaster, where she served as secretary for Religious Education from 1971 to 1980, as a member of the choir from 1983 to 2002, and as facilitator for the Adult Bible Study group. She was very active in the Pro-Life movement for many years and a member of the Serra Club for vocations since 1989.
In support of her husband’s career, Jane actively participated in the Campus Club at Millersville University, and shared her culinary talents in preparing international dinner parties for students and professors in the Foreign Language Department.
Above all, Jane was a dedicated, loving homemaker, mother, and grandmother to her many children and grandchildren, whom she cherished together with her husband Philip. Her happiest activities included hosting memorable dinners on holidays and special occasions, traveling with Phil during their retirement years, here and abroad and often with friends.
Best of all, Jane enjoyed spending time with her family. Over the years she lovingly and tirelessly met their needs and brought them joy. She was a rare jewel and her family fondly remembers how her selfless love and uplifting example enhanced their lives.
Jane’s sister, Mary Jane Payne, preceded her in death. Surviving is her husband of sixty-two years, Philip T. Heesen, Ph.D. and their six children: Jane H. Knapp, Psy.D. and husband, Samuel, Ed.D.; Philip T. Heesen, Jr. and wife, Cindy; Donna H. Hanlon and husband, Raymond; Gregory H. Heesen and wife, Margaret; Jerome P. Heesen and wife, Jennifer; and Rosemary A. Goresh and husband, Michael. Also surviving Jane are her eighteen grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. at St. Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603, with Rev. Mark E. Weiss as Celebrant. Interment will be in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Lancaster. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made in Jane’s memory to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.

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Condolences to the Family

October 07, 2014

Dear Jane, Sam and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your lovely mother. She was an amazing lady who will be greatly missed.
Your entire family will have many wonderful memories of her love and dedication to everyone in her life.
Our thoughts and prayers are will you.
Jack and Kathy Mentzer

October 07, 2014

Dear Phil & family,  We were so sorry to hear about Jane’s death.  She was a lovely lady and it was our pleasure to know both of you.  Thank God for our faith – we will all meet again.  Love, Dave & Gloria Goldy 

October 06, 2014

I am so very sorry to hear about Aunt Jane.  I won’t be able to be there tomorrow but please know that you are all in my thoughts & prayers.  I’m sending my love to all of you.  Love,  Mary Catherine

October 06, 2014

Dear Goresh Family,
Sending condolences on the loss of your mother from the Miller Family at 6 Dart Manor Court, as well as your friends in Hanover, Gettysburg, and Dallastown.

October 06, 2014

Jane and Sam knapp and family,
our sincere sympathy to you in learning of the loss of Jane’s mother. She was a remarkable lady and surely will be missed. We will be thinking of you on Tuesday and in days to come.
with love,
John and Louise Graham 

October 06, 2014

Our prayer’s out for the family as I Ralph C. Stone know that Mrs Heesen is with band of singing Angel’s singing praise to our Lord as well filled of joys of welcome open hands of the open of the gate of the Golded City! Wonderfull teaher wonderfull mother, wonderfull friend. I caan not express my thanks to know this wonderfull woman!!! I alway’s remember Mrs Heesen from time of living be side my family and never for get her. Thank’s for sharing your mother to other childrens who will never for get her.
                                                                                                                                     Ralph C. Stone.

October 05, 2014

Condolence to the. Heesen Family from former Leaf Park neighbors,  Joyce  & Bill Smedley.

October 04, 2014

Dear Uncle Phil and Cousins,
i was broken hearted to learn of Aunt Jane’s passing.  She was a wonderful and very special person.  I have always enjoyed my time with her and your loving family.  My mom, Rosemary, was so fond of Jane and I think, looked to Jane as a role model for being a kind and loving mother.  I will miss her and wish I had had more time with your family.  Her dedication, not only for her family and relatives, to the church is something to be truly amazing.  Since my mom’s passing I have returned to the church and pray every night for all of those who have passed and are still with us.  I hope that you have some peace knowing that she is with God now and she will always be with all of us in spirit.  
This has been a very sad week for our family but I find some solace every day knowing that all of those passed over are reunited and with God.
Blessings on Aunt Jane and your family!  I love you all very much and have so many fond memories of our family gatherings!
All My Love,
Gabrielle A. Watts

October 04, 2014

Dear Uncle Phil and Cousins:
I’ve been thinking of you ever since Janemarie shared the news of Aunt Jane’s passing on Thursday night. Please accept my heartfelt condolence.  Aunt Jane was such a sweet, kind, and wonderful woman.  I was hoping that I would be able to come to Lancaster to attend Aunt Jane’s funeral and also see everyone but unfortunately my work schedule will nto allow such.  Please know I amsending you my thoughts, prayers, and love.
Love,
Patricia and Rick Wiesel

October 04, 2014

Dear Rosemary and Family, We are deeply saddened to lern about your mother’s death.  She was a loving and caring lady. Best to you and your family, Bobbe Ragouzeos and family

Visitation
Tuesday, October 07, 2014
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church
2111 Millersville Pike
Lancaster, PA 17603
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Services
Tuesday, October 07, 2014
11:00 AM
St. Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church
2111 Millersville Pike
Lancaster, PA 17603
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