Verna L. Heckaman

Verna L. McGowen Heckaman, 100, of Carmel, Indiana - formerly of Bremen, Indiana - passed away on Friday, April 18, 2014. Verna was born on August 2, 1913 to Charles and Hilda McGowen of St. Joseph County, IN. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell E. "Pat" Heckaman, her brother Arnold “Mike” McGowen, and her sister Violet Jones.

Verna is dearly remembered by her family and friends as an accomplished sculptor, avid reader, a world traveler, and especially as a compassionate person with a twinkle-in-her-eye sense of humor. She was a role model and loving advisor to her family. She maintained her zest for life into her 101 ^st year by participating in daily group exercise and activities. Verna was active in her Bremen church and community and because of her deep Christian faith, she had a gift of making everyone she met know that they were loved and special.

She is survived by her three children: Douglas E. Heckaman (Heather) of Melbourne, FL, Patricia J. Horvath (Richard) of Noblesville, IN and Dr. James D. Heckaman (Deborah) of Fort Mill, SC ; eight grandchildren - Douglas E. Heckaman Jr. (Janis) of Louisville, KY, Heather S. Morrison (James) of Melbourne, FL, David L. Heckaman (Michele) of Fort Mill, SC, Richard Horvath (Anne) of South Bend, IN, Christina Horvath Graybeal of Noblesville, IN, Allison Lueking (Darren) of League City, TX, Jessica Tomlinson (Matthew) of Warminster, PA, Rebecca Shrum (Michael) of Charlotte, NC; 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Norman McGowen of Bremen, IN, and Robert McGowen (Arvilla) of Santa Claus, IN.

The funeral service will be held at the Mishler Funeral Home in Bremen, IN on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in the Bremen Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home.