Barbara Heidenreich

Heidenreich, Barbara
Barbara Heidenreich, 73 - after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, was finally called home to God on April 2, 2011. This ends the earthly adventure for Barbara that began on October 22, 1937 in Greenport, NY to parents Grant and Marian Hansell. Barbara grew up in Riverhead, NY and in 1947 at the age of 10 met the love of her life and sweetheart, Paul. In 1956, she graduated from Riverhead High School as Valedictorian of her class and went on to St. Lukes Nursing School in New York City. On December 25, 1957, Barbara and Paul sealed the deal and were married at the Riverhead Congregational Church. In 1959, Barbara graduated from St. Lukes and became a Registered Nurse. With her nursing degree in hand, she and Paul moved to Tucson, Az Barbara quickly got a position as a surgical nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson while Paul was attending the University of Arizona. Her career as a nurse was short-lived as Barbara and Paul together had two children. Paul graduated and they moved to Mesa and shortly thereafter to Scottsdale. With family in tow, they began many wonderful camping adventures primarily in Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Mexico. They fell in love with boating and enjoyed many of the lakes in Arizona including Saguaro, Roosevelt and Lake Powell. Rocky Point Mexico was a favorite destination and they took their first trip to Baja in 1984; it was love at first visit and began their annual migration, eventually buying a little casita in Cabo San Lucas. In 1998 Barbara was diagnosed with Parkinson's, however, she was committed to living life fully despite her disease. They sold their home in Scottsdale and became full-time RVers and began traveling all around the United States, Canada and Mexico. In 2002, they found a lovely summer home in Pine, AZ and split their time between Mexico and Pine with RV trips in between. As Barbara's symptoms gradually worsened, they returned to their beloved Pine home where she died with Paul beside her to the end. Barbara is survived by her husband Paul Heidenreich of Pine, children Mark Heidenreich (Robyn) of Scottsdale, Sharon Larkin (Dan) of Chandler; grandchildren Ashley Heidenreich and Jacob and Kinsey Larken; sister Susan Roush (David) of Sylacauga, AL. Memorial donations may be made in Barbara's name to: Banner Sun Health Research Institute for Parkinson's disease, PO Box 2015, Sun City, Az 85372.
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