Donna Jean Heidecker

Donna Jean Heidecker, 73, of Mountaintop Court, Hazle Twp., died Thursday in Lehigh Valley Hospital - Hazleton.

Born in Hazleton on Oct. 14, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Santore) Spishock and resided in the area her entire life.

Donna was a 1967 graduate of Hazleton High School. She was offered a job in Washington D.C. but instead chose to marry and raise her family locally. Donna was a hard worker. While raising her family and working full time at the US Postal Service, she and Jack built their dream home overlooking the Butler Valley. She took great pride in designing the interior and worked tirelessly to make their house a home. From campfires to holiday celebrations, she made every visit special for her family.

Donna was an excellent cook, and her pineapple pie was one delicacy, made from a recipe handed down by her grandmother, that no one else could perfect. Donna adored her grandchildren and was quick to share stories from their first steps to vacations and their latest accomplishments. She enjoyed joining their friends at the Hazleton Elk's for dinners and accompanying Jack to his annual Navy reunions along the east coast.

In recent years, she enjoyed spending time playing computer games, search word puzzles, and sitting on their back deck watching the wildlife and feeding the birds. Donna was always there to provide love and support for her family. She will be missed by her entire family.

She is preceded in death only by her parents.

Surviving are her husband of 24 years, John "Jack" Heidecker; children, Tammy Perlot and her husband, Scott, Delaware; J. Craig Letcher and his wife, Debbie, Hazle Twp.; Tracy Haraschak and her husband, Dr. Michael, Wellsboro; Jason Letcher and his wife, Rose, Drums; Ryan Letcher and his wife, Lisa, New York; and Sean Heidecker and his wife, Melissa, Hazle Twp.; grandchildren, Joseph Letcher, Faith Letcher, Michael Haraschak V, Gavin Grega, Malina Letcher, Noah Slusser, Jacob Heidecker and Carter Heidecker; sisters, Sandra Repanshek and her husband, Robert, Drums; and Lynn Calvello and her husband, Joseph, Hazle Twp.; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday from Krapf & Hughes Funeral Home – Crematory, 530 W. Butler Drive, Drums. The Rev. Anthony J. Generose of Queen of Heaven Parish, Hazleton, will preside. Friends and family may call for a viewing period from 9 a.m. to service time.

Inurnment will take place privately at a later date in the Calvary Cemetery, Drums.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations to a charity of one's choice are welcomed by the family.

Condolence messages may be entered in the family's memorial guest book at www.khfuneralhomes.com.