MARSHA (WALB) HELLER, 85, of Fort Wayne, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Dec. 24, 2021, at Parkview Hospice (Rand -allia), surrounded by her family. Born in Fort Wayne on May 19, 1936, Marsha was the only child of the late Walter W. and Marjorie (Heinrichs) Walb. After graduating from South Side High School, and encouraged by her parents' strong belief in higher education, Marsha graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder, majoring in Education. While working in Denver, she earned a Master's in Psychology from the University of Denver. Later in her career, while successfully launching three children from high school to Purdue University, she earned an Associate's Degree in Nursing from IPFW. Marsha was an active member of her beloved First Presbyterian Church, Fort Wayne, where she held numerous leadership positions, and was honored in 2018 for her leadership and service to the church. She was also active in Friends of IPFW, and established a scholarship at the University for students in the School of Music. Marsha enjoyed being with her family - all of them - but especially on sunset cruises on Oliver Lake, where she vacationed her entire life. She also enjoyed her dogs - especially her beloved English Setters - so much so that she raised or rescued seven Setters throughout her life. Marsha lived her life surrounded by many friends. She loved both her weekly gatherings with a regular set of friends, and also took joy in throwing a large party, and inviting guests into her Oliver Lake home. Marsha had a fierce independence, living on her own in her home until just prior to her passing. Marsha is survived by her three children, Cheri (Matt) West, David (Jill) Heller, and Rich (Melinda) Heller. Also privileged to have shared in her life are Marsha's grandchildren, Nick, Caroline, Brock, Grant, and bonus granddaughter, Natalie Smith. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Dean Heller. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, Fort Wayne at a later date. Arrangements by Greenlawn Funeral and Cremation Services, 6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, the Marsha Walb Heller Music Scholarship (Purdue Fort Wayne), or a Humane Society of donor's choosing. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Marsha's family can be shared at www.greenlawnmpfh.com

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Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Jan. 2, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for MARSHA HELLER

4 Entries

Lois Steere

January 12, 2022

I was out of town at the time of Marsha's death but wish to express my feelings of her friendship plus being a member of The Women's Reading Club and Friends of the University of Purdue Ft. Wayne.
She was a "special" person and friend to all of us and she will be missed very much.
Thoughts and prayers,
Lois Steere

John Simonis

January 4, 2022

I'm sorry to learn of Marsha's passing. She was one of the nicest women I've ever met, and just a delight. I'm grateful and appreciative for her generosity which created the Walb Student Union building on the Purdue campus (then IPFW in the 1980's) in Fort Wayne.
My fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, along with the sororities, Delta Gamma and Pi Beta Phi, were given generous space for our office, study, and recreational areas.
My sincere condolences and prayers to her family.
With great respect,
John Simonis

Ted and Anne Tiernon

January 3, 2022

We are sad to hear of your Mother´s passing. She was a kind and generous neighbor of ours, living just a few houses from us. We enjoyed conversations with her during nice weather and always appreciated her beautiful yard. She will be missed in Winterset. Our sincere condolences to the family.

Judith Gillman

January 3, 2022

FRIENDS of the University at Purdue Fort Wayne recognize we have lost a great leader and friend. Marsha was President of FRIENDS 1990-1991 and again from 2002-2004. Marsha was a Pillar of our organization and will always remain as a dear colleage and friend to all that came in contact with her. Our thoughts and prayers to her family.

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