Margaret J. “Margie” Heilman, age 86, of Marion, went to be with her husband and Lord early on Saturday morning, May 14, 2011, at the Marion General Hospital following complications from a recent surgery.
On July 28, 1924, Margie was born in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of the late Arthur James and Alma Edna (Packer) Combs.
Shortly thereafter, she and her family moved to Kenton, Ohio, where she was raised and graduated from Kenton High School in the Class of 1942.
Several years after graduation, Margie’s sister, Anita, decided to try and get her fixed up, so she thought she would invite Margie to a poker run with their motorcycle club to meet a friend of her husband, George. While there, Margie met William “Bill” Heilman, and from then on he kept finding reasons to “just stop by” and visit with her. After a short courtship, Margie and Bill were married on December 18, 1955, in Mount Victory, Ohio. The next year, they moved to Marion to raise their family and for him to work for Wyandot Blacktop. Together they shared forty-one loving years of marriage, until he preceded her in death on June 30, 1996.
A loving homemaker, Margie did all she could to care for her beloved family. She also helped by working when she was needed to, working as a bookkeeper at the J. Mash Company and helping with story time, nap time, and lunch breaks at the Sugar and Spice Nursery School.
A woman of deep faith, Margie was an active member of the Oakland United Methodist Church, where she had served as a trustee and helped with Sunday and Bible School in her younger days.
Known as the “official hugger” at the Marion Senior Center, Margie will be dearly missed for the joy she spread to everyone. She went to as many activities there as she could, such as line dancing and exercising, and she gave hugs to everyone she encountered along the way. She loved being social, giving introductions, as she loved to make everyone feel comfortable and right at home…and what could make you feel more comfortable than a hug from “the hug lady.”
Having an adventurous spirit, Margie loved to travel and going camping. For many years, she and Bill would go camping with the Potter’s Camping Group, camping anywhere within an hour from Kenton. She also took many trips to special destinations, such as to the beaches in Florida, Las Vegas, and one of her favorite trips was a cruise to Cancun, Mexico with her brothers and sisters in laws, Jake and Idella Bushong and Howard and Nola Heilman to celebrate Bill’s official retirement from construction. She and Bill also enjoyed wintering in Florida.
For Margie, her pride and joy was her family. She loved all moments when she was surrounded by her family, especially during the holidays. Her grandchildren truly were the apples of her eye, and she never missed anything they were involved in. They also enjoyed playing cards, going camping, and they will all forever cherish their special trip to Disney World together.
Every year, Margie’s family would look forward to Christmas time when they got to enjoy her special fudge. She also was known for her great chocolate chip cookies with walnuts.
Very independent, Margie often did things her way, ignoring the concerns of her family. Then after not listening to them, she would tell them “I am not being bull-headed, I am just strong-willed.”
Margie will be dearly missed by her two surviving children: Rob “Noah” Park, of Kenton and Susie Dowell, of Marion; five grandchildren: Ginger (Tim) Park Errington, Kevin Park, D.J. (Kelli) Dowell, Christopher (Amber) Dowell, and Adam Dowell; a brother – in – law, George Long; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Including her husband and parents, Margie was preceded in death by her son Tom Park, son-in-law, Danny Dowell; three brothers: Junior Combs, Leroy Combs, and Donald Little; and two sisters, Anita Long and Gladys Little.
Margie’s family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating her life will also be held there on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Rafael Velazco officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Oakland United Methodist Church, 835 Bellefontaine Ave., Marion, Ohio 43302.
For those wishing to express your private condolences online to Margie’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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