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Vera Esch Heitz
1925 - 2011
Vera Esch Heitz
1925 - 2011
Obituary
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Vera Heitz Obituary
Mrs. Heitz was born March 1, 1925, in Peoria, Illinois, and grew up in Washington, Illinois. She was the daughter of the late Rev. Benjamin F. Esch and Christiana Schutt Esch.
She studied music and languages at Bluffton College, Bluffton, Ohio, and at University of Illinois where she graduated in 1946. She taught Spanish at the University of Illinois while studying for an advanced degree. She received a degree in Secondary Education from JMU in 1978. She taught in local schools as a substitute teacher and taught private piano lessons. She was a member of the choir at the First Presbyterian Church of Harrisonburg for 38 years, including ten years playing the organ there. In recent years she often played the piano in retirement communities and at church. She was a volunteer in many community service groups and founded one of the first ten chapters of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Her husband, George A. Heitz, and her son, Thomas B. Heitz, preceded her in death.
Surviving are a daughter, Linda A. Giles, and her husband, Ronald, of Harrisonburg, and sons, George A. Heitz, Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth, of Davis, California; and Stephen T. Heitz and his wife, Mary, of Harrisonburg; a daughter-in-law, Ann Heitz, of Charlottesville; eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren; three nephews and one niece.
Mrs. Heitz will be cremated and a memorial service will be held Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church on Court Square with Dr. John F. Sloop officiating.
The family will receive friends on Thurday, December 1, 2011 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.
In lieu of flowers, Vera's family suggests contributions to the Good Samaritan Fund, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, 1501 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802 or the First Presbyterian Church, 17 North Court Square, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindseyharrisonburg.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 29, 2011
"To Stephen and family, my sincere sympathy on the loss of your Mother. May the wonderful memories always keep her near"
Caroline M. Brill
Elkton, VA
Julia Rader
November 28, 2011
Linda and family,
I wish to extend my deepest condolences for the loss of your mom. She was such a beautiful, caring and gracious person. My parents treasured the memories of many good times with George and Vera. When sorting through Mother's personal effects a couple of years ago, we ran across a wonderful picture of the four of them at a football game. They looked so happy.
May your fond memories sustain you during this difficult time.
Julia Kramer Rader
Todd and Janeen Dofflemyer
November 25, 2011
We have such fond memories of Vera enjoying Bobby's travel soccer games 8-10 years ago. She was so proud of his accomplishments and cheered on the entire team. We always loved talking to her on the sidelines!
Tom Esch
November 22, 2011
To Vera's Family... We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Vera was a pioneer in researching our Esch family history, in the days when there was no internet and sheer guts were needed to explore Europe and ask questions! We so much enjoyed her many stories and writings of those times. It was a joy to get to know her these past 15 years. She will be very much missed but her memories and writings will endure.
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Susan Esch
November 21, 2011
As I was working on my Esch family genealogy, I contacted Vera. I had never met her before since she lived in VA and I lived near Washington, IL. She was a few years older than my dad, Vernon. I was finally able to meet her in VA many years ago when I was visiting my brother. My long lost cousin! She shared with me stories of her brothers and of her Dad and Mom. She was so proud of her family! When she came to visit my area, we went past the house in the country where she lived as a young child in Washington. I asked the owners if we could come inside. We both cherished the moment that we were able to see her childhood home together. Later she met my children and sang some songs for them on our ride back to her friends' house. We occassionally talked on the phone or she would send me some findings of hers from her trips to Europe. I would share with her what I found on my genealogy trips. What a great woman! I will miss her! She always had such enthusiasm!
--Susan Esch
Dana Sweet
November 21, 2011
Dear Heitz Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have wonderful memories of walking up Ohio Ave for my piano lessons. I loved my teacher,her kindness and enthusiasm. Your Mom touched my life. With deepest sympathy and love to your family, Dana Sweet and Family
Jehan Leroy
November 21, 2011
I met Vera in 1990, when I was a student in Harrisonburg.
Coming from France, she welcomed me in her house and we spent a wonderful time, her teaching me many things about the USA and the Mennonite community and me speaking French with her.
We also had a lot of fun and very joyful moments.
Then, she visited me in France in 1991, and that was again wonderful moments.
We stayed in contact by mail and e-mail, and I had her on the phone, a few months ago, and she sounded still so joyful and full of energy.
Vera has been one of the most beautiful encounters in my life. I feel really sad, but she will stay in my heart : I will never forget her.
Jehan Leroy
November 20, 2011
To Family of Vera,
My journey with Vera was too short--what a woman of beauty, her love of music, life's daily adventures, and relationships. She will be greatly missed.
May you be surrounded by God's love and care as you reflect on Vera's gifts that she shared with so many through the years. She loved you!
- Hannah Mack Lapp, a VMRC friend from 2003-05 that continued with Park View Mennonite Church activities.
November 20, 2011
I have so many great memories of Vera and George. Our families did so many things together over the years, many years ago. They were always fun and bright people. My sympathies to you all.
Jane Booth
Hillsborough, NC
November 19, 2011
Linda & family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on your Mother's passing. I remember her vividly from our many years of knowing you while growing up. You are so lucky to have had her around and a part of your life, for so long. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Susan & Tom Shull
Carol Horst Watson
November 19, 2011
Dear Linda and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. May fond memories give you strength and comfort during the difficult days ahead. It's hard to realize, but we are now the "older" generation. I'll be thinking of you.
Sheila Valtin
November 19, 2011
My sorrow and sympathy at Vera's passing. She will be missed by many here at VMRC.
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