Doris Louise (Gobrecht) Heckman

Doris and music were inseparable. Doris was happiest on the piano bench sharing her music and encouraging everyone to sing! She began playing the organ in church at the age of 12 for her father, Rev. Loy C. Gobrecht. She continued her music ministry at various churches throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio during her 30-year marriage to her husband, Rev. Randall L. Heckman. After her husband’s death in 1977, Doris continued playing for churches in PA, including her son’s, Rev. Allen L. Heckman. She was able to continue sharing both her love of music and her joyful spirit in worship services until she was 83, spanning a career of over 70 years.

Beyond her service to the church, after she was widowed at the age of 53, Doris earned her bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies from Elizabethtown College. After graduation, she worked as a music therapist in the activities department at The Brethren Home in Cross Keys, PA and at Country Meadows in York, PA. She was greeted as ‘Mom’ by the residents as she carried her keyboard around on her visits. Doris also taught piano lessons at her home in East Berlin, PA. She loved her creekside home, her music, books, and tea parties. She will be remembered for her smile and her gift of music.

Doris died Jan 25, 2023 at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, Harrisonburg, VA after a long decline from Alzheimer's disease. She was 98 years old. Her family will be forever grateful for the exceptional care Doris received during the 15 years she was under the compassionate care of the nurses and staff at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community.

Doris Louis (Gobrecht) Heckman was born October 6, 1924 in Linfield, PA.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 30 years, Rev. Randall L. Heckman, her parents, Rev. Loy C. Gobrecht and Stella Sterner Gobrecht, and her sister Evelyn Frishkorn-Snyder.

She is survived by Her brother Rev. Edward S. Gobrecht who resides in Gettysburg, PA, Rev. Allen L. Heckman (son), his spouse Jane Hicks Heckman, Kissimmee, FL, Linda L. Heckman (daughter), Hanover, PA, Randy Lynn Heckman-Whitman (daughter), her spouse Rev. Jeffrey Whitman, Harrisburg, PA and Charles E. Heckman (son), his spouse Mary Jo Giorgini Heckman, Harrisonburg, VA.

Five grandchildren Rev. Kelli Whitman-Pringle, Kendra Whitman-McCallum, Sarah Heckman-Tittlebaum, Nevin Heckman, Morgan Heckman and four great grandchildren.