Ann Desmond Heckenberger
January 16, 1939 - June 7, 2023

Ann Desmond Heckenberger, an advocate for education, the advancement of science and medicine, and a loving mother, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2023, at the age of 84. She is survived by her adult children, Andrew and Annie Heckenberger, and her brother, Parry Desmond. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Leonard, and her sister, Marie Desmond Bayly.

Born in Allentown in 1939, the middle child of Harold and Grace Desmond, Ann was a curious-minded individual exposed to the practice of medicine at early age by her father, a family physician with a home office in Allentown. That early exposure to medical science made her a lifelong advocate for scientific research.

Ann graduated from St. Catherine of Siena grade school and Allentown Central Catholic High School. In 1960, she graduated from Cedar Crest College and was hired as a commodity manager for the U.S. Navy Aviation Supply Office in Philadelphia.

In 1961, Ann married Leonard Heckenberger, also of Allentown. She was a devoted wife to Leonard and later, a dedicated mother to Andrew and Annie. Ann and Leonard were married until his death in 2009.

In the 1970s, Ann was a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), where she participated in book sale fundraisers to raise funds for graduate fellowships and scholarships for women. She also was part of the AAUW initiative called "A Dollar's Worth," a program created to increase members' understanding of our economic system, advance consumer protection by introducing unit pricing on grocery shelves, seeking the removal of
environmentally detrimental products, and analyzing how families' incomes were spent.

Ann's unwavering interest in education and its transformative power left an indelible mark on her family. She nurtured and challenged her children's aspirations and encouraged them to pursue their dreams with hard work, passion, and determination.

Ann also never stopped learning or pursuing her own education. In the 1980s, she worked as a court tipstaff for Judge Diefenderfer, a Lehigh County judge known for his human approach to family court. After retiring from that position in the 1990s, she became the office manager for Allentown's Iron Workers Local 36. At the same time, she studied to become a certified tax planner and worked part-time as a tax preparer for a decade.

Beyond her evolving career interests and role as a supportive mother, Ann had a talent for solving puzzles, starting with crosswords and later, sudoku. She possessed a keen intellect and a natural ability to unravel complex wordplay, relentlessly crusading to solve each New York Times crossword. She also loved to follow the stock market, was a voracious reader, and a research hobbyist. It wasn't unusual for her family to find her up late working on a crossword
puzzle, listening to CNBC, or reading The Physician's Desk reference for pleasure.

Additionally, Ann was a remarkable chef, known both for her culinary skills and exquisite taste. She found joy in experimenting with flavors and creating memorable dining experiences. During holidays, she would meticulously plan and prepare four-course meals often recreating Julia Child or Thomas Keller recipes. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, delicious aromas, and
gorgeous sauces that she stirred with the patience of a mountain amid a storm, while family and friends gathered to sip a Manhattan or glass of wine and enjoy her company.

Ann spent a lifetime of summers in Ocean City, NJ, where she was happiest riding her bike, reading a newspaper or book on the porch, and eating chocolate ice cream. She will be remembered as a lovely, soft-spoken, intelligent individual. A lifelong learner who approached life with an open heart and an open mind, embracing opportunities to learn from any situation
or encounter.

A Mass to celebrate Ann's life will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023 at 11am, at the Cathedral of St Catharine of Siena. The family will receive visitors in the lobby of the Cathedral at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001 in Ann's honor.