Geraldine Marie Heckman

Gerry is survived by her husband, Frank Edward Heckman of Southwest Ranches, Florida; her sister-in-law Ann Heckman Crider of Lima Ohio; her three sons: George Heckman of Deltona, Florida; Paul Heckman of Davie, Florida; and Andrew Heckman of Pembroke Pines, Florida; her daughters-in-law: Linda Heckman of Deltona, Florida and Kathy Heckman of Davie, Florida; George and Linda’s five children and their families: Amy and Hector Flores of Chihuahua, Mexico, and their four children: Judah, Benjamin, Elena, and Sofia; Debby and Brett Chapman of Palm Bay, Florida; and their four children Chloe, Lily, Ethan, and Asher; Beka and Cody Burns of Deltona, Florida and their son, Abishai; David and Joice Heckman of DeLand, Florida and their son Peter; and Tim Heckman of Ocala, Florida; and Paul & Kathy’s three children: Jon Heckman, Kimberly Heckman, Christine Hernandez and her spouse, Jacob Hernandez, also of Davie, Florida.

She is preceded in death by her parents Mary Sarlina, Drobka (Jack), and George Drobka.

Gerry was born on May 6, 1933 in Tarentum Pennsylvania to George and Mary Drobka. She graduated from South Lima High School in 1951. She worked at National Bank in Lima. She met Frank Edward Heckman who worked as a senior tester at Standard Oil of Ohio. When they first met, he was drawn to her lively personality and good-natured humor. He was practicing at a bowling alley where she occupied a neighboring lane, bowling gutter ball after gutter ball and finding the whole affair hilarious. They were married October 22, 1955. He was her “knight in shining armor”. They lived in Lima, Ohio. They welcomed their first son, George Edward into their home in September of 1957, and Paul Joseph Heckman in July of 1961. After moving to Miami/Carol City, Florida, In March of 1967, the couple welcomed their third son, Andrew Michael into their home. Gerry’s children remember her as a happy, kind, and fun mother who always welcomed their friends and encouraged them all throughout their lives.

Gerry was also employed at different times at banking establishments. While raising her sons, she worked for Avon as a sales representative which provided her many opportunities to be a friend with her customers and offer them encouragement when they needed it. She was a generous, friendly, and joyful individual who loved people and who was passionate about her family. She enjoyed going to NASCAR races and live stage shows with her son Andrew. She was an active and dedicated member of the SMS craft club with her daughter-in-law Kathy and granddaughter Kimberly. Gerry always had a ready smile for everyone she met.

She attended St John’s Catholic Church in Lima, Ohio, St Monica’s Catholic Church in Carol City, Florida and St David’s Catholic Church in Davie, Florida. She visited Florida Bible Church, now the Bridge Church of Pembroke Pines, Florida and most recently attended Grace Baptist Church of Southwest Ranches, Florida. She put her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior and looked forward to being with her friends each Sunday that they worshipped together.

A Memorial service in honor of Gerry is taking place on Thursday July 23, 2020 at three o’ clock in the afternoon, at Grace Baptist Church, located at 9200 Griffin Rd, Southwest Ranches, Florida 33332. Pastor Jay Hartzell will officiate the ceremony. This service will be for immediate family only due to the Coronavirus. All are welcome to view and celebrate Gerry’s life via the church’s webpage at https://www.gbcministry.org where you can view via Facebook Live or on their site.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Grace Baptist Church at the address listed above. The family would like to thank the caregivers of Home Care Assistance of Pembroke Pines, and Artis Memory Care of Davie for their care and work and compassion for Gerry.