Brenda Kay Heckler, 62, of Mattoon, IL passed away Monday, January 27, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 AM until noon, Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938.
The burial will take place at Crest Haven Cemetery in Claremont, IL at a later date.
Brenda was born on May 30,1962 in Mount Carmel, IL to the late George L. and Ruth A. (Beal) Heckler. She is survived by her brother, Mark A. Heckler and wife Kathy of Godfrey, IL; three nieces, Jennifer Reif and husband Greg of Glen Carbon, IL, Andrea Heckler and husband Paul of The Hague, Netherlands, and Rebekah Heckler of Chicago, IL; and great-nephew and great-niece, William and Maddelyn Reif.
Brenda retired from Eastern Illinois Area Special Education in 2022 after 26 dedicated years as a teacher. Her patience and kindness made an everlasting impact on her students but also her coworkers. After her retirement, Brenda volunteered at the LifeSpan Center - Coles County Council on Aging.
She had two beloved canine companions, Mozart and Marley. Throughout her life, Brenda had a keen interest in dogs and showered them with love.
Brenda was a devoted daughter, loving sister, doting aunt, and dear friend. She was truly the happiest around her loved ones and creating memories with her nieces. She will be remembered for her kind spirit and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Coles County Animal Shelter or the Dementia Society of America (https://www.dementiasociety.org/) in Brenda’s honor.
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