Delores Heintz

Delores Heintz obituary

Delores Heintz

Delores Heintz Obituary

Published by Legacy on Dec. 2, 2025.
Obituary of Delores Heintz

Delores Heintz, age 84, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully at home, on November 30th, 2025, after a 30-year battle with Lyme Disease. Born and raised in Chester, PA, she was the eldest of 6 children: born to the late Henry Heintz and Mary Heintz (nee Bakalar).

Delores spent many years working in the family lumber company, as well as various other sales positions. When she retired, she devoted her time to her home, and most lovingly to her family. She especially doted on her many grandkids and never missed celebrating a birthday. She was a woman of numerous passions. Dee drove a motorcycle and loved taking others on rides, or just riding solo. She never missed an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful sunset, or sunrise. She celebrated life! Deeply patriotic, Delores proudly served her community by working the polls regularly, on Election Day.

Delores was a member of the Lyme Disease board in Delaware. She was ardent about Lyme education and deeply driven to help others afflicted with the disease. So much so, that she donated her body to the cause.

In addition to her parents, Delores was preceded in death by her son, Phillip (Melissa) Greenleaf, and her sisters Pauline Heintz, Susan (John) Carroll, and Janet (Gary) Hackman.

She is survived by her 5 children: Jennifer (Jim) Packard, David (Margaret) Greenleaf, Jackson (Leka) Rhodes, Jacquelynne Rhodes, and Amanda (Shawn) Gorman; her brother Henry (Suzanne) Heintz, and sister Theresa Heintz. Her grandbabies were her heart & soul, as she called them: PJ, Jessica, Bob, Kim, Caitlin , Sebastion, Ella, Josh, Brianna, Riley, Tanner, Willow, Noah, and Naomi. Her great-grandbabies: Malaki, Iosua, Harley, and Walker. Delores also had many nieces and nephews.

Donations in her memory may be made by visiting https://www.bayarealyme.org/get-involved/donate/. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com

Legacy.com reports daily on death announcements in local communities nationwide. Visit our funeral home directory for more local information, or see our FAQ page for help with finding obituaries and sending sympathy.

How to support Delores's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Delores Heintz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Delores Heintz's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?