Barbara A. Heil

Barbara Ann Heil

(née Martin) 81, passed away November 6, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in South Carolina, the eldest daughter with 5 older brothers and 2 younger sisters. She married Carl Albert Heil, a native Hoosier, in Indianapolis and shared a 52-year marriage until her husband's passing in 2000. As a young wife, Barbara was a true "Southern Belle" who matured with the wisdom, strength, courage and compassion of a true "Steel Magnolia." Beloved mother, grandmother, wife, loyal friend, confidante to all ages, master gardener, expert seamstress and baker extraordinaire. Upon entering the Indiana State Fair the first time, she took home the coveted Blue Ribbon Championship award for the best all-American apple pie and garnered two blue ribbons for her seamstress entries. Her passion for gardening and landscaping also earned admiration and praise. She studied everything she did with intensity and perception then, patiently and generously shared her knowledge with friends, family and neighbors. She was athletic and active her whole life—sharing her husband's love of fishing, "roughing it" in nature and travel. Barbara decided to start a professional career and became a sought-after beautician with many loyal clients. After her husband's passing she traveled frequently to New York City, Martha's Vineyard and Palm Beach to spend time with her children and grandchildren, giving endlessly of her time, talents, work ethic and sense of humor.

She cherished her family and friends above all and is known for her boundless capacity to give love and attention.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her children: daughter, Paula Heil Fisher and her son, Richard Carl Heil, her granddaughters Miasha Fisher and Tora Fisher, her sister Helen and extended family from her marriage to Carl Heil and many, many friends. Interment: Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Barbara Heil to the Fisher House Foundation. /http://www.fisherhouse.org