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Karlyn K. HEILMAN

About

Northern Arizona University

Karlyn HEILMAN Obituary

HEILMAN, Karlyn K. died unexpectedly on Monday, March 27, 2017 at the age of 30. A teacher at Coconino High School in Flagstaff, Karlyn loved her job and treasured working with her students. Born and raised in Tucson, she graduated summa cum laude from NAU in 2011, also receiving a Master's in English in 2013. She was an active member of the Flagstaff Education Association, serving as vice-president this year. She enjoyed reading, hiking, cooking and playing with her cat, Colby Jack. Karlyn was preceded in death by her father, Richard Heilman, on March 9, 2017. She is survived by her mother, Sandi; brother, Tim; and sister, Kelley (Phil) Gruca. She is also survived by a nephew, Jeremy Gruca, three sets of aunts and uncles, Nancy (Larry) Fetgatter, Kirby (Laura) Wahl and JoAnn (Herman) Salazar; as well as four cousins, Mark (Albert Sanchez) Fetgatter, Jason Fetgatter, Skyler and McCrae Wahl. A time of sharing and remembrance will be held at the Elks Lodge #499 in Flagstaff on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Coconino High School, earmarked for "Gifts and Donations" (2801 N Izabel St., Flagstaff, AZ 86004).

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

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Apr. 9, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Karlyn HEILMAN

16 Entries

September 13, 2022

Missing you today. Thank you for inspiring me and teaching me.

May 11, 2017

RIP

Don Booth

April 24, 2017

I "helped raise" Karlyn as one of her faith coaches for our youth group at our church as she was growing up and then going off to college. She was the same age as my #3 son, and I will always think of her as "one of my kids." My prayers and thoughts go out to her mom and brother and all of her family and friends, and may we all keep her memory alive in our remembrances.

Kyla Timmons

April 19, 2017

I am completely devastated upon hearing the news of Karlyn's passing. I am so grateful for the time that I got to spend with her in Flagstaff. She was such a sweet, intelligent, and dedicated individual. My thoughts and condolences are with her family and everyone who knew her. <3

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Alissa Oliverson

April 19, 2017

Karlyn was one of my best friends. We were English majors together at NAU, and ran the English Honors Society. It was always so special to me that we built upon our college relationship to become Flagstaff friends for over a decade. One of our favorite things to do together was walk to The Mayor and enjoy a Call Me Maurice. We lived in the same neighborhood, so we would often take her dog, Shelby for walks on campus and enjoy her free time during summer break. I knew Karlyn to be a dedicated and committed professional in her teaching career. She cared so much for her students and it was always apparent. She piloted an after school program for students and even raised money in order to provide them with food during the program. I remember many years ago we would meet every other Saturday when I would pick up my Bountiful Basket - she was always there volunteering. But my favorite memory of all that I will always cherish is the time we spent together in recent years with our book club. We read great books and shared our lives with each other, and I am going to miss meeting with her every week. My deepest condolences to Karlyn's family for this abrupt and devastating loss. I miss Karlyn, and I will always remember her friendship, her laugh, and her cool wit. Rest in peace, my friend.

Savanna Stewart

April 17, 2017

I wasn't there for her funeral since I moved. I miss her. She wasn't my teacher but I did have her for GSA I'm happy that I could spend her last GSA with her. She is deeply missed. I wish I was still at coconino to help the grieving students.

Patrice

April 12, 2017

May the thought of knowing that friends family and God share in your grief be of comfort to your family. (Pro 17:17)

Matt Nichols

April 11, 2017

I will miss your presence at all of the FEA events, but most of all, I know how much your students loved you for all you did for them in and out of the classroom. Your dedication to making the world a better place one human being and one student at a time was a special gift you had. May the family find some peace in knowing all the good Karlyn brought to this world. She also exemplified a leader in making strong public schools and to be involved in her professional association to make things better for her colleagues and students.

Nick Velde

April 11, 2017

I spent countless moments with Karlyn during college and look back fondly on the memories I shared with her. She was always good to people and knew how to make us laugh.

To her family: my sincerest condolences for this terrible loss.

Stephen Guerrero

April 10, 2017

Karlyn I will miss you every day.

Patricia Long

April 10, 2017

My sincere condolences.

Pat Kittrell

April 10, 2017

So sad, so beautiful, so talented.

Barb Sargent

April 10, 2017

To Sandi Heilman and her family: God bless all of you at this time of sorrow. My prayers will be with you.

Judith Richardson

April 10, 2017

So glad to get to meet her. I can see she has been a joy to all of you as well as to her students and colleagues.

Sharon

April 9, 2017

Such a wonderful young lady who left us way too soon. I have wonderful memories of working with Karlyn when she was in high school. She will be greatly missed.

Lyndsey Hogan

April 9, 2017

Prayers.

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