Josephine Irene "Shorty" Heck

Our beloved grandmother, Josephine Irene "Shorty" (Bowman) Heck, 94, passed away peacefully in her Gilbertville, Pennsylvania home the evening of December 17, 2025.

Born August 2, 1931, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Josephine was the daughter of Joseph Bowman and Hannah (Miller) Bowman. After high school, she attended Elizabethtown College, graduating with honors and a degree in education. She continued her studies by earning a master's degree from Lehigh University and completed all the coursework required for a doctorate in reading education, with only her dissertation remaining.

Josephine met and married the love of her life, Harry L Heck Sr., building a beautiful life with him and raising their two children in the Gilbertsville home he built for her. They attended New Hanover Lutheran Church where Josephine taught Sunday school for a number of years.

Josephine chose to dedicate her life to teaching, becoming a respected and beloved educator within the Boyertown Area School District for 32 years, retiring in 1985. Her commitment to her students and her profession left a lasting impact on countless lives. She loved her career and always spoke fondly of her all her years teaching. She was a strong, dedicated woman to all her children both in school and out.

Josephine also truly enjoyed her summers off, making memories at the beach house that she and Harry built in Rehoboth, Delaware. She also loved spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and eating out at her favorite restaurants.

Whether it be a joke, a gift, or an adventure, Josephine was always surprising people in the best possible ways. She was a generous and faithful woman and loved God above all. She will be remembered for her joyful spirit and her laughter as well as someone who believed in doing the right thing no matter what. Her legacy lives on through the many students she inspired and the family she cherished.

Josephine is preceded in death by her husband, Harry L Heck Sr. (1999), son, Harry L Heck Jr. (2017), and daughter, Wendy Heck (2018).

Josephine leaves behind her two grandchildren Ryan Springer (Carolyn), and Janine Springer (Michael Wright) as well as her great grandchildren, Shyla, Keena, and Evelynn. With who her world revolved around.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Catagnus Funeral Home; 1020 E Philadelphia Ave, Gilbertsville, PA 19525.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to the glory of God in Josephine's name to New Hanover Lutheran Church 2941 Lutheran Rd, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 via their website https://newhanoverlutheran.org/donate/