MARY L. HECKY

Mary Louise (Hahn) Hecky, 94, of Garrettsville, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. Mary was born on January 7, 1929, in Nelson, Ohio, third child of the late Emerson and Lucile (Doud) Hahn.

She always strived to do her best, participating fully in the high school experience as a cheerleader and as valedictorian of Nelson High in 1948. In 1950 Mary married Henry Hecky, Jr., and devoted her life to maintaining a house and raising their four children. She was an excellent seamstress and baker. Mary’s New Year's Day crown roast and Christmas tea ring were always crowd pleasers. Living through the Great depression taught her values of frugality and thrift, so homemade clothes were a staple in the Hecky household for many years. Mary’s needlepoint and crocheting still adorns her children’s homes today. In 1969 she fulfilled a long-held dream and earned her bachelor's degree in vocal music from Hiram College, allowing her to begin a career teaching music in public schools. During Mary’s ten years at Crestwood Public Schools she created a thriving vocal music program, including theater arts. When she moved to Florida to care for her Father-in-law and support her husband's health issues, Mary earned a Florida teaching certificate and worked as an elementary music teacher. When she and Henry returned to Garrettsville, Mary was immediately hired as a substitute teacher for James A. Garfield. Her greatest passions were music, teaching and family; Mary loved her family and her greatest joy was being surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She served as the Director of Music for the Garrettsville United Methodist Church for more than 30 years. Mary’s music inspired overflowing congregations of churchgoers as well as a hearty choir. She worked tirelessly to build up and organize a massive collection of sacred music for the church. Mary’s holiday cantatas drew standing room only crowds; she spread her deep faith through her music.

Mary will be deeply missed by her loving children Gail Hecky, of Lewes, Delaware, Karl (Sherry) Hecky, of Garrettsville, Paul (Flor) Hecky, of Leesburg, Virginia, and Laura (Mike) Young, of Garrettsville; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; siblings, Willard (Yvonne) Hahn, of Nelson, and Roy Hahn, of Nelson, as well as many nephews, nieces, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, Henry, and sisters, Corolyn Randall and Martha Knowlton.

Please join the family for visitation on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M., at the Garrettsville United Methodist Church, 8223 Park Ave., Garrettsville, OH 44231. A funeral service will begin at the church at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. Richard Thewlis officiating. Mary will then be buried at Park Cemetery, with her beloved husband, Henry, where he will be given military honors for his service.

The family would like to encourage friends to show remembrance of Mary by donating to the Garrettsville United Methodist Church, 8223 Park Ave., Garrettsville, OH 44231, to honor Mary’s love of her church and her commitment to the Lord. Care for Mary was entrusted to Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231.