Edith S. Heckel (Edie) 90, of Lititz, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of her family on Thanksgiving November 25, 2023, she was the daughter of George Ness Spalding and Nellie Wallace Spalding. She was the wife of David G. Heckel, with whom she celebrated 69 years of marriage in September.

Edith grew up in Lancaster, graduated from Manheim Twp High school, class of 1950. She went on to Penn State University and received her BS in Education, graduating in 1954. She belonged to the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, and received her Masters from Millersville University. Most of her 28 years teaching were spent as a First Grade Teacher serving West Shore and Manheim Twp. School Districts. She was an exceptional loving teacher. Edith was passionate about her profession, instilling in her students a love of learning. She volunteered as a Sunday School Teacher, Girl Scout Leader, Women's Symphony Board Member, Moravian Manor Lamplighters and was a member of the Hamilton Club and Lititz Moravian Church

Edith had an immense passion and love for children and animals. Along with her husband and family, she enjoyed nearly 50 years on their 8-acre farmette in Kissel Hill. They spent many years, "Bit By Bit" restoring the late 1700 barn, house and summer kitchen. A picture of the barn appears on numerous magazine covers, calendars, Christmas cards and was included in the book, "Barns of North America". The farm pavilion has been the center of many a gathering of friends and family. Edie loved to host and make those around her feel welcome. The farmette has been home to a menagerie of animals, including horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, dogs, cats, goats, geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys, peacocks, swans and a very entertaining parrot. Edie was an avid gardener and loved tending to her flower gardens with the help of her beloved swan, Maxie. Her 10 themed gardens were once featured on the Lititz Garden Tour

She is survived by 4 children: Pamela Whallon, wife of Peter Whallon, Lancaster, Mary Welk, wife of the late Curtis Welk, Sarah Summers (Sally), wife of Robert Summers and David Heckel Jr, husband of Melanie (Miller) Heckel, all of Lititz. Edie was an extraordinary Grandmother to 10 grandchildren: Leah Rude (David), Carrie Redgate (Scott), Olivia Pollock (Tyler), Colleen Corcoran (Patrick), Morgan Heckel Molly McCall (Cory), Adam Welk, Anna Summers, David Heckel III and Zachary Welk. She was the proud Great Grandma of Micah and Penny Redgate, Owen Pollock and Maya Welk

Edith will be laid to rest at Moravian Cemetery, 212 E Main St, Lititz, PA 17543, December 3, 2023, at 1:15pm. Following, family invites guests to a visitation at the Lititz Moravian Church beginning at 2pm until the time of service at 3pm. For those unable to attend the service may be viewed via livestream at lititzmoravian.org/funeral-livestream/ . In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Masonic Village Hospice or Lititz Moravian Church Book of Remembrance.