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BORN
1923
DIED
2018
Ann Heavey Obituary
Las Palmas - Ann Heavey, after having had the most extraordinarily wonderful life, and exuding nothing but joy and gratitude, passed away peacefully on May 28th, 2018 at her beloved home.
Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1923. She studied ballet and then acting with Max Rheinhardt. She played at the Volkstheatre and the Burg Theatre until the start of WWII.
Marring young to avoid being forced to work for the Nazi SS, then being informed that she was widowed, she found herself with a young daughter through the war, yet risked arrest by secretly feeding resistance fighters and hiding her Jewish friends from the Gestapo.
After the war, her fluency in four languages brought her work with the American Red Cross and was swept off her feet by a young colonel from Berkley, CA. Dr. John T. Heavey, with whom she embarked on a global adventure, living around the world in Europe, Africa, the UK and finally settling in the desert in 1967.
Her passion for the arts inspired her many contributions to the community including co-founding the Palm Springs Friends of the Philharmonic, supporting the Opera Guild, WAIF, the Virginia Warring Competition, The Desert Museum, amongst many others. She co-founded the Friends of the Salzburg Music Festival and received the highest honor bestowed upon an Austrian civilian, the Golden Cross of Achievement, for her dedication to international relations.
Most importantly, she and Jack lived together blissfully until his passing in 2004.
Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, June 4th at 3pm at Our Lady of Solitude, 151 W. Alejo Road, Palm Springs.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ann Heavey
Sponsored by thedesertsun.com.
BARBARA WISBEY. PALM SPRINGS
March 31, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Robert Grant Wealleans
March 30, 2024
Ann was a dear friend of my mother, Marisa Shea (Marisa Nesti, Marisa Wealleans). I last saw her at the funeral of James Shea in 2013. I still have her business card and remember how kind she was to me at the memorial dinner. A vibrant, fascinating woman was Ann and my mother always spoke highly of her dear friend. My belated condolences to her family.
Robert Grant Wealleans
89 Ranch Drive
Novato, CA 94945
Karen
May 28, 2019
I miss you Ann! Thank you for delighting my life with your elegance!
Love Karen❤
Mona de Crinis
February 1, 2019
I just now learned about Ann's passing as I no longer live In the desert. I have such fond memories of the Heaveys as our families were very good friends throughout my childhood and beyond. Ann was always there for my mother, Edith, and was so sweet as my mom's health rapidly declined. Ann was a true force of nature propelled by a kind, generous spirit. She will be deeply missed. My thoughts and love go out to Manuela and the rest of the family.
Tove Alice Hansen
July 14, 2018
It is with saddness that I read about Ann Heavey's passing in May this year. She was a very dear and close friend of my mother, Jozzi Brekke.
I recall her warm and joyful personality. She was a great hostess and knew how to entertain guests in her lovely home in Palm Springs.
May God bless her daughter and granddaughter.
Francine Feldmann
July 12, 2018
Oh my God. What a HUGE loss! Anne was an extraordinary woman and held a very special place in my heart. How sad for you all.
All my love,
Francine Greshler Feldmann
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