Joan Mary Heftye

Joan M. Hammer Canty Heftye

Joan Mary Hammer Canty Heftye, 85, of Charlottesville, Virginia, died on Friday, September 17, 2010.

Born in Buffalo, New York, she lived in western New York until 1989 when she moved to Sanibel, Florida.

She was the daughter of Dr. Edward Joseph Hammer and Anne Monica Lynch.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, William Patrick Canty; her second husband, William Palmer Heftye; her brothers, Dr. Edward Joseph Hammer Jr. and John Lynch Hammer; her grandsons, Kevin Palmer Warnecke and John Patrick Warnecke; and her great- granddaughter, Flora Mary Quinlan-Laird.

She is survived by her children, Susan Canty Quinlan and William Fitt of Athens, Georgia, William Patrick Timothy Canty and Nancy Wirks of Evergreen, Colorado, Paul Edward Canty and Catherine Miller of Midlothian, Virginia, Mary Karen Canty Warnecke and John Warnecke of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Kevin Michael Canty and Susan Staunton of Los Altos Hills, California. Her legacy includes 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. (All of whom look just like their Nonna!) She is also survived by her loving companion, Frank Fallert.

Joan was a graduate of St. Margaret's School, Mount St. Josephs' Academy, D'Youville College (BA), and Buffalo State College (M.Ed.). She taught for many years in the Williamsville, New York, school district.

She was a 20 year resident of Sanibel who offered much to her adopted community. She was an active participant in the life of St. Isabel's parish where she was a member and officer of the Women's Guild and sang in the choir for many years. She participated in the interdenominational women's group and organized events for the migrant worker community in the diocese. She was an avid traveler and visited many countries with extended stays in Ireland.

Joan was vibrant, vivacious, optimistic, and strong with an abiding grace and compassion. She had an immense capacity for love and was utterly unique. Her grandchildren have precious memories of their time with Nonna at the beach, shelling, swimming, and exploring. A woman of many talents, she was an accomplished painter, singer, knitter, and cook; she shared her many gifts with her grandchildren.

Although she suffered from Alzheimer's disease, her courage, humor, faith, and love for her family always shone through that terrible disease.

The family would like to thank the incredible staff at the Christopher Center for the loving care she received. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Seki Balogun and also the staff of Legacy Hospice.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday, September 24, 2010, at the chapel at Our Lady of Peace, 751 Hillsdale Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22901.

Her funeral will be conducted at St. Isabel Catholic Church in Sanibel, Florida, at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Christopher Center Resident's Activity Fund, c/o Our Lady of Peace, 751 Hillsdale Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901-3300.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.