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- Marjorie A. Heck OBITUARY
Marjorie “Marj” A. Heck passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Born in Lockport, NY on February 21, 1940, she was the daughter of Louis and Mary (Healy) Shanley.
Following graduation as valedictorian at DeSales High School, Marj entered the Sisters of St. Joseph convent in Buffalo, NY. While in the convent, Marj earned a Bachelor’s degree in Math and Adolescent Psychology from Mount Saint Joseph College and a Master’s degree in Math from Boston College. She also taught at several schools in western NY. After leaving the convent, she taught at Bryant & Stratton Business College in Buffalo.
Marj’s life changed when she attended her high school 20-year class reunion. There, Marj got reacquainted with classmate John Heck, danced with him, and fell in love. John convinced Marj to visit him in California. After that visit, Marj returned to Buffalo, packed her belongings, and began a new chapter in Santa Clara, CA. She married John in St. Edmund’s Church, Tonawanda, NY in 1979.
Once in California, Marj took classes at Mission College, De Anza College, and San Jose State University to earn her California teaching credential. She began substitute teaching at Cupertino Union School District and Fremont Union High School District before becoming a full-time teacher in 1998 at Fremont High School in Sunnyvale. Following her retirement in 2003, Marj enjoyed her time, traveling across the U.S., Europe, and Asia with John.
Marj dedicated much of her life to serving God and others. In California, Marj was an active parishioner at Queen of Apostles Church. She joined the church choir, taught Religious Education for 15 years, and was a Eucharistic Minister for 13 years. Marj also spent time as President of the Pastoral Council. Marj’s service to others included volunteering at Courtyard Care Center in San Jose, providing comfort and conversation to residents there.
Marj was an avid sports fan and could always be found watching the San Francisco Giants or San Francisco 49ers, or listening to sports talk radio. She visited cemeteries in NY, Ireland, and Germany with John, tracing the paths of their ancestors as part of their genealogy research. In her free time, she enjoyed knitting sweaters for herself and others. Marj was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and a friend to all.
Marj is survived by her husband, her sons Michael and Christopher, grandchildren Declan, Colin and June, siblings Carolyn (late Mauro) Garofalo, David (late Wilma), Patricia (late John) Joensen and Jane (late Raymond) Coakley; also many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Marj was predeceased by her sisters Mary Louise (late Carl) Blackley and Nancy (late Dominic) Albanese.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service to be held at Queen of Apostles Church, 4911 Moorpark Avenue, San Jose, CA on January 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please honor Marj’s desire to help others by donating to a charity of your choice.
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1940 - 2024 (84 years)