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Dianne Elizabeth (Leone) Heckathorn, of Midland, Ga, went home to Jesus on May 8, 2020 at age 64.
A Memorial Mass will be held 10:30 am on January 16, 2021 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Columbus, Georgia. A Virtual Celebration of Life will be live streamed following the service. You can view the link at https://www.stannecsg.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/248068733333572
Dianne was born to James Vincent and Agnes Leone on January 12, 1956 in Greensburg, PA. As a child, she excelled in musical theater and began a life long love of the fine arts.
Dianne met her husband, Michael Heckathorn in 1994 at a social gathering. They married later on October 7, 1995 and went on to blend families with four children, Brian and William (Billy) Hawkins and Jeremy and Matthew Heckathorn. Michael and Dianne have been a part of the Georgia area for over 20 years.
Dianne was successful in academia; completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Pennsylvania State University in 1978 and a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Education. A passion for teaching, Dianne retired from the Georgia state education system after 35 years of disciplined and dedicated service to the students she taught. She specialized in youth special education and served as Special Education Department Chair at Carver High School where she retired from; also working at Midland Middle School, Double Churches Middle School, and Jordan High School. She had a true love for her students and they loved her back. In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother, Dianne also loved traveling, spending time with family, and devout Penn State Alumni. Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her.
Dianne joins her parents, James Vincent and Agnes, in Heaven. She is survived by her husband, Michael, her sisters, Sandra Leone Pellenz, Kathleen Leone Neitzke, Victoria Leone, her children, Brian and Billy, granddaughter Angellina, and her beloved grandson, Santino.
Psalm 91:11
“For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.”
Exodus 23:20
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”
The Heckathorn Family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 7500 Veterans Parkway, Suite A, Columbus, Georgia 31909, 706-577-0055. The family invites you to leave a condolence or share a fond memory of Mrs. Dianne below.
Christine Moriarty says
I am so very sorry to learn of Dianne’s passing. My heart goes out to you all. Prayers and blessings.
Tandra says
I am so saddened to hear about the transitioning of Mrs. Heckathorn. Prayers for the family during this difficult time.
Susan Payne says
My condolences to you Michael and the rest of Dianne’s family. She will be missed. She was always so much fun to talk with at the Shuki reunions. She had a wonderful appetite for life and embraced everything about it, from her work as a teacher to taking her grandson on so many adventures. Love to all, cousin Susan Payne
Betty Dunn says
Dianne will be greatly missed by all of her friends, especially her fellow Car er retirees 💔
Dianne Bonham says
Sympathy to the family on sweet Dianne’s passing to her Father in heaven. She will be sorely missed. We shall celebrate her love of life, her family and friends.
Much love and prayers
Shawnise Couch says
Mrs. Dianne was very sweet and was nice to anyone she came in contact with. R.I.P you will be missed 💗
Roxanne Jarrett says
Mrs. Heckathorn was an amazing woman. We co-taught together in the beginning of my teaching career and she taught me so much. Is he was always willing to help anyone that needed it. She will be missed. My prayers to her family.
Dell McLendon says
George and I are grateful to have known her. She was a great friend and dedicated educator. She will be greatly missed. God be with her family during this time.
Cynthia Wilkinson says
I’m sorry to hear about Diane’s passing. She was our neighbor here in Hinesville for several years. I was also her paraprofessional and we were friends too. I watched her raised her boys and I remember when y’all got married. Such a gem as a teacher, Mom, wife and blessed Grandmother. Praying for the family ♥️
Tina Thomas says
So sorry to hear about my ZTA big sister’s passing. I’m glad I was able to meet Diane and Santino a couple years ago on their trip to PA. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Stacey Mcdowell says
I’m so sorry for you loss Brian prayers to you and your family..
Amy Hoag says
My condolences to all of Dianne’s family. I will miss my theater seat mate & going places with her. Dianne lived her life with joyful music & deep love for her family.
Jody Lawson says
I am deeply saddened to hear that Diane has passed away. I send prayers of comfort to all that she loved and to those that love her in return. My deepest sympathy.
Jody Lawson
Class of 1971
Commonwealth High School
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Maria says
Mr. Heckethorn I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife. You and the family will be in my prayers. ~Maria~ Simply Clean Housekeeping Services
Rose Brown says
I will miss Dianne’s wit, her smile, her willingness to forgive, calls to attend various productions, e-mails for the Retired Carver Retires in which she founded and organized! Dianne loved people and lived her life to the fullest! Heaven has certainly welcomed a beautiful soul❤️
Kimberly Gray says
Praying for you Billy and your family. Your mom was very sweet and will truly be missed!!
Mary Lewis says
I am saddened to hear of her death. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Alina Moran says
My sincerest condolences to all. May you find solace in special moments shared.
Much love to you,
Alina Moran
Tatjana Quarles says
I’m so sorry to hear this! Your family will be in my prayers!
Linda Byars McKenzie says
I am so sorry. Dianne and I went to Commonwealth high our last two years. I always enjoyed her company. The world is a little sadder without her in it. God bless her family.
Patsy Gray says
My heart goes out to the family of Diane. She was a sweet lady always ready to lend a helping hand. She will be missed.
Mr. Douglas says
She truly had a passion for students with special needs.
LORI Decristo says
I have no words to express my sadness. Leone and I have been friends and ZETA sisters since 1975 and she will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family. Heaven has another angel.
Gary & Martha Anderson says
To all of Dianne’s family. I met her here on Camano Island, Wa. When she was here visiting her sister Kathy & husband Gregg. She was a bundle of fun & had a passion for life. Blessing to all & May peace be with her.
Jennifer Jones says
I will miss my Atlanta Fox Theater friend. What a special person Dianne was. She loved life, she loved travel, she adored her family. Michael and sons, treasure the memories and know that she had an admiration for each of the men in her life.
Gods got a special place for her in heaven. Live the life that will allow you to see her again. Make her proud! She gave her all!
Arthurene Brown says
Mrs. Heckathorn was a light and inspiration to many people. She was my friend for many years and she is already missed. My condolences go out to her family. She leaves a rich legacy of laughter and love to us all.
Vanessa T. Barnes says
I am deeply saddened and it feels so unreal that my friend Dianne Heckathorn has let us. Oh what a good person she was and a dear friend indeed. Always willing to lend a helping hand and going the extra mile. She had a big heart and loved and cared about everyone regardless of color, race or status. I will miss my fun friend who was always trying to get me to go somewhere! Now I wish I had gone more often!
Coleman says
OMG my heart goes out to the family. They are like family to me. One of the best teacher you would every meet. Dianne Heckathorn. My son had her at Carver high school. she had a heart of gold. I’m sending a halo of love to the family to get them though this very hard time. My prayers are with you. Let me know if it’s anything I can do.
Susan Mattiucci says
My sincere sympathy to you Kathy and your family. Peace and prayers to you all, on the passing of your beautiful sister
.
Frances Scovil says
Diane and I were Girl Scouts together these many years ago. Her energy, enthusiasm and spunk are enduring impressions. Go with God, Diane.
Anthony Camacho says
So sorry about her passing. My prayers are with her as well as with her family and loved one. I just spoke to her 2 months ago and seemed happy and healthy. We went to high school together at Commonwealth in Puerto Rico. She was a beautiful, loving person. God bless and protect her.
Linda Sawyer says
My heart is breaking and my prayers are with her family. I had the pleasure of teaching with Diane at Midland Academy. She was a gifted teacher. Diane cooked lunch for me in the fall and she was so proud to show me around your house.I know she fought hard because she loved her family. She was very thoughtful and I will miss her cards and letters.
Joyce Bassett says
I am sad an shocked to learn of Diane’s death. She was such a joy to work and play with. My heart goes out to Michael and the children and grand children. We were friends on too many levels to count. I too will miss her cards. letters and calls.
Paul Starnes says
So sorry for your loss. Diane was a lovely and special person! She will be missed by All that knew her! My condolences to the family!😢😢
Maria Andrews says
I’m deeply sorry for the passing of this beautiful soul. Dianne, I will miss your positive attitude and perpetual smile, even in the face of adversity!
Nerida a. Morales says
I new her since we were in ft Benning her kids and my use to play together I just hear about this on facebook She was a very joyfull friend we share many thing about our kids ,she was in the church chorus at St.Patrick ,i want to said she will be miss a wonderful woman god bless Iam so sorry Brian and Billy love you.
Rebecca Jones says
She had a beautiful spirit and she loved G.W. Carver High School. When she retired she formed the monthly retired teachers fellowship. I will miss your gentle spirit Dianne. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten.
Mary Wilburn says
We have been friends for many years. Our Children were in CCD together and we have been church family since the 90’s. We will miss Diane’s sharing in Sunday night Liturgy at St Patrick Parish. Peace to family and friends she leaves behind. God rest her soul in Peace.
Rob and Mary Wilburn
Tom Weise says
I will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the happy repose of her gentle soul on today as I just heard of her untimely passing. Tom Weise t
The Keene family says
Dear Michael, Brian, Billy, and Santino,
Our hearts go out especially to you with the loss of your dear wife, mother, and grandmother. We are shocked and saddened to learn of her passing. Dianne was a very thoughtful person, who cared deeply for her family, her students, and her friends. Please know that we are keeping each of Dianne’s family members in our thoughts and prayers.
Sheila Ward says
Dear Michael, Billy, Brian and Tino, my deepest sympathies, sharing in your sadness at the loss of Dianne. She was an amazing person. Her family was truly the center of her life. I’m privileged and blessed to have known her and to have had the gift of her friendship. I’ll miss her. I know you will miss her deeply. Losing a much loved wife, mom and grandmother is so hard. A loved one who departs from this earth never truly leaves. They are still alive in your hearts, in my heart. Through loved ones and friends, they live on. Prayers for you are for peace and comfort, for whatever you need now. God is with you. May He richly bless each and every day.
NLand says
What a talented lady and a gentle witness to Christ through song. I was shocked to learn of her passing. I will pray for the repose of her soul.
Laura Kirchgraber says
Diane used to bring Santino to play with our children on Thursday mornings with the St. Anne Pray and Play group and her dedication to him and helping to raise him and Angellina in the faith was beautiful. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Yvette Diaz says
I met Dianne in 89 we Differenly Click right Away this was so Sad when I found out about this my Heart was Broken 💔 I’m still in Shock !! My Heart goes out to her Family ! May the Lord Comfort her Hubby Children & Her Grandbabies in this hard time She differently was a Great Friend !! Im gonna miss her so much ! She will Never be forgotten. Love you Girly ! May you Rest In Peace with Angel’s 😇🙏❤😘
Priscilla Carbone says
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I remember Diane from Puerto Rico. In the 1970’s we were Girl Scouts together and later on hung out with friends from Commonwealth High School. She was a lot of fun and I remember her interest in Drama. I also remember going to her house and babysitting for her little sister!
May she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Priscilla
Ozzie Mercado says
Sorry to hear of your loss Mike. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Remember that memories of Dianne will always be alive in your heart. Keeping you and your family in my prayers through in this difficult time. God Bless!
Daniella Michaud says
Though I may no longer be a part of the family, but you’re still in my thoughts and prayers. Michael, I’m so sorry for your loss and cannot imagine what you’re going through. I wish I’d have had the opportunity to meet Diane in person as she sounds like she was a wonderful, feisty, and resilient woman! The loss of a partner is like losing a part of yourself; do not hesitate to reach out to friends and family for support as you need it. We’re here for you.
Angela Dileone says
We are deeply saddened of her loss. Even though we only met at family reunions she always stayed in touch. Sending the yearly letters and pics of her and her family. We will miss those.
Rest in peace ❤️