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Mary Heiland Obituary

Heiland, Mary Jo (Edwards), 75, passed away Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011. She is survived by her husband, Anthony Heiland; children, Michael (Audrey) Heiland, Jolene Heiland, Peter Heiland and Paul Heiland, all of Wichita; grandchildren, Zachery Heiland, Nicholas Heiland, Tate Heiland and Brianna Heiland; brothers Donald (Ann) Edwards of Little Rock, AR; and Joseph (Anne) Edwards of Wichita; sisters, Patricia Ekeler of Kingman; and Ann (Tim) Bolen of Gardner. She is preceded in death by her infant son, Francis Heiland, and her parents, John & Josephine Edwards. Mary Jo is one of the original founders of the Right to Life movement in the State of Kansas. Mary Jo, was an airline hostess, school teacher, x-ray technician and mental health technician. She was a researcher and writer in many areas which gained her recognition both in this country and abroad. She loved the outdoors: riding her bike through the neighborhood, working in her garden, swimming with the grandkids and trips to the mountains. She had a big heart when it came to the needy, and a love for rescuing animals. Rosary 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 4; Services 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 5, both at St. Jude Catholic Church, 3130 N. Amidon, Wichita. Interment following the service at the Resurrection Cemetery, 1640 N. Maize Rd, Wichita. Memorials may be designated to the Lord's Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214, Guadalupe Clinic, 940 S. St. Francis, Wichita, KS 67211 and Hallmark Kennels, 310 W. 45th St. N., Wichita, KS 67204.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wichita Eagle from Jan. 3 to Jan. 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Heiland

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Brianna

November 10, 2022

I love and miss you so much grandma!

Cheri Preston

November 3, 2011

I met Mary when I was just 27 yrs. old. She was big into Right To Life & I had just began being interested in the cause. She & I became friends. I would never be the same as I so admired her! I miss bumping into her at the grocery store and having long chats on the phone trying to solve the world's problems. She was a wonderfully kind person & the world lost a truly brillant soul! I wish to express my sympathy to the entire Heiland family for their great loss!

Sincerely,

Cheri L. Preston
Wichita, Kansas

Constance Cumbey

February 27, 2011

I'm just learning of Mary Jo's death. She was a dear friend over the past 30 years. She was a brilliant and dedicated researcher. She is missed, but a real asset to heaven now, I'm sure!

Constance E. Cumbey

Nico and Hildegard Alles

January 24, 2011

We will miss you, Mary Jo.
Sincerely,

Nico and Hildegard Alles

January 24, 2011

We will miss you Mary Jo. We have appreciated your communications with us and the messages you passed on to one of our friends you knew so well too.
Sincerely,
Nico and Hildegard Alles, the Netherlands

Pat Goodson

January 23, 2011

January 23, 2011
It was quite by coincidence that I just stumbled on the news of Mary Jo's death. my sympathy to Tony and all your family. While we have lost touch over the years for many years we collaborated on Right To Life from 1970 when we worked to found Right to Life. Mary Jo was also godmother to my youngest daughter, Connie.

I remember fondly all those times we worked together and pray not only for her but for you to be comforted in the sorrow of your loass.

Pat Goodson, St. Marys, KS

January 9, 2011

Mary Jo I will miss you immensely!
Eternal Rest in His arms dear.........

Mary Henry

January 9, 2011

Mary Jo I will miss you immensely!
Eternal Rest in His arms dear.........

Doug Valenzuela

January 8, 2011

Our genuine sympathy to your entire family on Mary Jo Heiland's passing. Like Saint Therese of Lisieux she is doubtlessly interceding even more powerfully before Christ for all those whom she loved so faultlessly in this life. The Unborn have another great champion plugging for them. She and all of you are in our prayers.

Randy Engel

January 8, 2011

The entire Prolife Community mourns the loss of one of its great leaders, Mary Jo Heiland who helped found Kansas Right to Life. She was a personal friend for more than 40 years and her memory shall never be forgotten. I believe she wore her self out for love - love for God, love for her family, her community and for unborn children. A Traditional Mass will be said for the repose of her soul. May she rest in peace. Randy Engel for the U.S. Coalition for Life and The Michael Fund.

January 4, 2011

Mike and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying the memories of your life with her ease the loss of her. She served the Lord on earth and is now joining Him in Heaven.
Sincerely,
Amy Cameron and family

January 4, 2011

My deepest sympathy to Mary Jo's family. I went to LMHT school with your mother and worked with her over the years off and on. She was an extraordinary woman and I was lucky to have known her! This community has lost a great advocate.
Jenny Kerns Leasure (Andover, KS)

Bev Tones

January 4, 2011

Mary Jo was one of the kindest people I had the pleasure to meet. I have lots of fond memories of Mary Jo, coming over for a swim, a visit, riding her bike, and just being Mary Jo.What a great person. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Love and Peace

January 4, 2011

Mike, Pete and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. From all of us at ABC SUPPLY CO.

Barbara Rew

January 4, 2011

"Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon her" May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace -Amen.

Barbara Rew
Olathe Right to Life

Becky Howell

January 4, 2011

Audrey and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless...

Mary Frances Morriss

January 4, 2011

The world is a much colder place without you. You are the most passionate of women, loving your Catholic Faith, loving your family and a friend to all of us. I will miss my Sunday dinners which you so faithfully delivered every week. I will miss the times we went out and had a good time laughing. I will miss your writings and your commentaries. But I know that you are now able to tell the angels and saints face to face about these issues and that is good. Rest in peace, my friend.

Denise Scobee-Bland

January 4, 2011

My deepest sympathies to our "extended family", the Heilands. What a wonderful picture of your mother! That is how I remember her...always the sweetest smile on her face...and a very soft voice. Never an unkind word to say about anyone...what a warm and kind woman. All of which was passed down to her children. Good people you are..and always have been. Thanks for sharing your mother with us! Love and prayers to all of you!

Mindy & Kenny Wedel

January 3, 2011

"Mary Jo, you will always be remembered, not only as a kind and caring neighbor, but as a very loving and gracious friend. All the times you helped out in a time of need will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family always."

January 3, 2011

"Mary Jo, you will always be remembered, not only as a kind and caring neighbor, but as a very loving and gracious friend. All the times you helped out in a time of need will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family always." Mindy & Kenny Wedel

Roxann Hermann

January 3, 2011

You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I mean it, I can't stop thinking about
the sorrow and grief you guys are going through. My heart goes out to you.
Miss you Jodi,

Michelle Scobee-Harrington

January 3, 2011

What an amazing life! So many things we never knew about Mrs Heiland all those years. All our love and prayers to Mike, Jodi and families.

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