In Memory
Jacqueline Ann (Drummond) Marnocha Heckaman
January 14, 1932 ~ September 12, 2024 92 Years Old
On Thursday afternoon, September 12, 2024, Jacqueline Ann Heckaman, 92 passed away in Mishawaka. She was born on January 14, 1932, in Indianapolis, IN to Jack and Miriam (Beyer) Drummond. Her father was a talented musician who played in early jazz groups with Red Nichols and Hoagy Carmichael among others. Her mother was a professional dancer at the Paramount Theater in New York City. Soon after her birth, Jackie was sent to family in South Bend where she lived most of her life.
She made her home in Anderson, IN for two years during her marriage to Laird Heckaman, whom she married on October 10, 1999. She returned to South Bend after his death on November 16, 2001. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Harry Marnocha. They were married on February 3, 1951, in Our Lady of Hungary Church in South Bend. Harry died June 8, 1995. Surviving are their four children, Judge John Marnocha and his wife, Maureen of Granger, IN, Carol Ann MacDonald of Mt. Prospect, IL and her companion, Michael Quigg, Mary Ellen Patterson and her husband, Kevin of South Bend, and James Marnocha also of South Bend. Other survivors include her brother, Michael Phillips of New Orleans, LA, stepdaughter, Maureen Liston of Cicero, IN; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
After graduating from James Whitcomb Riley High School in 1950, Jackie was employed by the Studebaker Corporation. Except for occasional call backs, she left after five years to start her family. Once her family was established, she earned a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Mary’s College and a Master of Arts from the University of Notre Dame, which included studies at l’Université de Dijon in France. During the 1960’s and 1970’s she taught science and languages in South Bend and area schools, followed by nearly two decades of service to Notre Dame. She ended her work life there in 1997, retiring from the College of Business Administration as assistant editor for an academic journal and secretary to a chaired professor.
She was a member of St. Anthony de Padua Church, the Notre Dame Club of St. Joseph Valley, and the Schyler Colfax Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She missed the little fishing trips that she and Laird had enjoyed so much, but remained a faithful N.D. football, and was always hopeful for the Chicago Cubs. Due to the sad loss of its members over several years, she also missed the special pleasure of lunching and reminiscing with a group of old and dear Studebaker friends.
She was proud of her family and their talents and accomplishments. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren filled her heart. She loved beautiful gardens and landscapes, and she respected all living things in the natural world. She also loved French literature, her piano and her little dog, Karma.
Jackie chose cremation with a private Mass to follow. It was her wish that her remains be interred in Riverview Cemetery beside her beloved aunts, along with the ashes of her dog, Karma, who preceded her. Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka is assisting with the arrangements. It was also her hope that the poem “Travel Song” by Sister M. Madeleva Wolff, C.S.C be included with her obituary,
Travel Song
Know you the journey that I take?
Know you the voyage that I make?
The joy of it one’s heart could break.
No jot of time have I to spare,
Nor will to loiter anywhere,
So eager am I to be there.
For that the way is hard and long,
For that gray fears upon it throng,
I set my journey to a song.
And it grows wondrous happy so.
Singing I hurry on for oh!
It is to God, to God, I go.
Sister M. Madeleva Wolff, C.S.C
President, Saint Mary’s College
1934-1961
9/16/2024 djb
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