Nancy died peacefully Jan 31 2023 at her home at the age of 83 after an extended battle with cancer. Nancy was born in the Bronx New York to Dorothea and Howard Heckmann on Friday October 13th 1939.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Howard L Heckmann and Dorothea (Whelan) Heckman. Survivors include her loving husband Gary, their children Stephen Jensen (Laporte, Tx), Katherine Jensen (Fort Collins), Raven Jensen (Fort Collins), her brother Kenneth H Heckmann and Brenda (Hawthorne) Heckmann (Dallas Tx). Grandchildren include, Sagan Jensen, Bailey Pederson, Meagan, and Eric Jensen. Niece Ashley (Heckmann) Travis, and nephews Kristian and Evan Heckman.
In 1946 the family moved to Clearwater, Florida where her parents owned and operated their own business. In 1951 they relocated to Bethesda, Maryland while her father worked for the government. In 1952 it was off to British Guyana, South America for 18 months. Upon returning to the U.S. the new location was Dayton, Ohio for a year, then to Bethesda for a year. Nancy graduated from the Academy of the Holy Cross, a Catholic college preparatory boarding school in 1955. Then on to Terra Haute, Indiana for a year before they moved to California where her Fathers Company was headquartered.
Nancy returned with her parents to home in Southern Cal and began working. She became interested in and actively participated local theater.
While working at the hospital as administrative assistant, and enjoying life in Hermosa Beach, she met Gary through a mutual friend. It was not love at first sight. Later they began dating and married in 1967.
After working and attending college she received her BA in1971 from California State University Domingues Hills and began teaching elementary school 1972.
Gary and Nancy purchased first house in 1972. Kids arrived in 1975 and 1977 and Nancy became a busy Mom with kid school activities.
Gary's work required location change in 1981, so the family moved to Clear Lake Texas. After receiving her Texas Teachers credentials, she began teaching again in elementary school. Outside interests included Tennis, crocheting, quilting, children's activities, and going to night school at U Houston. Nancy was awarded MS degree in 5/8/93. New arrival Raven joined the family, born 10/5/97 and the mom duties kicked in again for school and after school activities.
Gary retired 2001, the Family packed up & moved to Fort Collins in 2006.
After arrival in Fort Collins, Nancy began playing tennis again and went to USTA district finals in 2009. Later when a knee and other health problems prevented active tennis she began knitting, crosswords and activities with her church. She filled several roles including ushering, Vestry, alter guild and community outreach committee. As hands stiffened, she began taking piano lessons in Oct 2020. Nancy was always busy. Most of all, we will remember Nancy as a caring force to be reckoned with.
In lieu of flowers, the family askes to please donate to a charity of your choice.
A Funeral Service will be held 1pm, Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 3448 N. Taft Avenue, Loveland, CO. Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery, Ft. Collins, CO.
To view the service on a livestream through Youtube, please click the following link.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs2VOYKD1HF6wFa2-u-AoYQ