Jean Heckendorf passed away, Tuesday, April 22 in Hughson, California. Jean was born to Linden E. and Margaret H. Heckendorf on November 19, 1925, in Turlock, California. She was a graduate of Fresno State College and earned  her master’s degree at the University of Colorado, at Boulder. Jean taught Physical Education at Tennyson High School in Hayward for over thirty years and finished her career as an English instructor.
After leaving the teaching profession, she began a new career with the Parks and Recreation Department in Modesto, overseeing the public pools.
Jean was an avid fly fisher who tied her own flies and knew every part of the south fork of the Stanislaus River near Strawberry. She spent every summer at the family cabin in Strawberry with her grandmother from the day school was out until it began again in the fall.
Jean was a lover of animal, particularly dogs, and always raised and lived with one or more throughout her life. Jean traveled extensively with her dear friends and was the official pilot of her pontoon boat on Pinecrest Lake where many parties were held and events celebrated.
Jean had a dry sense of humor that endeared her to others and was always eager to assist others who might need a helping hand.
The family thanks the staff of Country Manor at the Samaritan Village for the loving care they provided to Jean over the past three years.
Jean is preceded in death by her brother, Roy Heckendorf, sister, Donna Mocabee, and nephew, Grady Mocabee. Services will be today, Saturday, April 27 at 1:00 p.m. at Turlock Funeral Home 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution to your favorite charity be made in her honor.