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Joan Catherine Heckel was born March 28, 1932 in Montreal, Canada to William and Doris Oram. She passed away peacefully in her home on October 19, 2016. Joan graduated from Queen Elizabeth Hospital of Montreal School of Nursing in 1953. After graduation, she and two friends decided to “see the world” and drove to California. Joan worked at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles where she met her future husband, Thomas Heckel, M.D. They were married on January 24, 1959 and moved to Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts where their daughter, Debra, was born. In 1961, Joan became a U.S. citizen. They returned to Los Angeles where their daughter, Lisa, was born and eventually settled in Fresno where Thomas started his medical practice, and their son, T.A., was born. Joan and Thomas enjoyed traveling the world including trips throughout Europe, Africa, China, and Australia. Countless adventures, much laughter and treasured memories were had on these trips. Joan was President of La Comida Guild, President of the Fresno/Madera Medical Society Auxiliary, a long time member of the Holiday Guild and member of the AWARE group. Friends and family enjoyed Joan’s sense of humor, wicked wit and love of a good dessert. She loved spending time with all her dear friends, having lunch, going to movies and entertaining in her home. She was devoted and generous, and her friends knew they could count on her for anything. She enjoyed needlepoint and knitting, and blessed her family with many of her projects which will be cherished by future generations. She also adored her poodle, Max, and had many fond memories of his loyal companionship. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas, and her brother, Jack Oram. Joan is survived by her children, Debra Huntsinger and husband, Jim, Lisa Collins and husband, Kevin, and T.A. Heckel and wife, Michelle; her sister, Diane Harper and husband Bruce and their children, Stephen, Betsy, Bethany and Wendy; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Oram; and her pride and joy her grandchildren: Ryan and Mallory Huntsinger, Kendra and Kathryn Collins and Jordan and Alexandra Heckel. The family extends a special thank you to all her caregivers, especially Rita and Esther, who made her final weeks more comfortable and allowed her to stay in her own home. A private funeral for family will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016 at the Chapel of the Light followed by a Celebration of Life for all of Joan’s friends and family at 2:00 p.m. at the Painted Table, 1211 N. Wishon, Fresno, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army or the charity of your choice.

Tributes

Joan Catherine Heckel

March 28, 1932 - October 19, 2016