Mildred Marie Gabriel Heckman

1-23-1917 to 7-17- 2010

Devoted wife, amazing mother, loving daughter, loyal sister, cherished grandmother, wonderful mother-in-law, trusted friend, caring neighbor, gracious hostess. These qualities and her many enduring relationships are the true successes of Mildred Gabriel Heckman's extraordinary 93 ½ year life.

Mildred grew up in 3 West Coast lighthouses—Tatoosh, North Head, and New Dungeness— the oldest of Leonard and Sue Gabriel's 3 children. As a lighthouse keeper's daughter, her childhood was full of amazing adventures including watching storms, gathering all kinds of seafood and exploring the many shipwrecks on the beach, her "front yard."

Charles Heckman, the son of the local grocer who delivered groceries to North Head, turned out to be the love of her life. They attended the University of Washington together, where Mildred studied Home Economics. They later married and settled into their beloved Beacon Hill neighborhood where they lived for more than 50 years.

Mildred's 3 children, Charles Jr, Susan and Rosemary always felt very fortunate to have
their Mom waiting for them when they got home from school, always eager to hear about their days. She was a PTA president, leader of the Cub scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts. She always welcomed her children's friends into her home, and became like a second mother to several of them. She treated her children's spouses as if they were her own children. When she became a grandmother, she loved dreaming up new adventures to share with her beloved grandkids, and never missed an opportunity to make her famous chocolate birthday cake. As a great grandmother, fondly known as "sweet GG", she was in her glory.

Mildred was an accomplished bridge player, spending many enjoyable afternoons with her bridge groups at the Washington Athletic Club and in West Seattle. Always
eager to learn new skills, she studied the piano, drawing, painting, cooking and several crafts.

Mildred was loving, generous, open minded, patient and kind, and she shared these gifts with everyone lucky enough to know her. She will be greatly missed. "See ya later alligator..."

Mildred was preceded in death by Charles, her devoted husband of 56 years, her beloved son Charles Jr., her brother Bill and sister Donna. She is survived by daughter-in-law Jan Heckman of Stanwood, daughter Susan and son-in-law Michael Cavanaugh, daughter Rosemary and son-in-law Mustafa Bilal, all of Anacortes, grandchildren Jeffrey Heckman and wife Jeny of Stanwood, Julie Coyle and husband Chris, of Southworth, Jamie Heckman and wife Aimee of Stanwood, great grandchildren Paisley, Charlie, Tristan, Gabriel and Calie, cousin Lois Bergstrom of Portland and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mildred's family would like to thank all the caregivers of Our Country Home in Marysville, especially Missy Gross, for their loving, compassionate care. And thanks also to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County for their wonderful support in the last months of Mildred's life.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County 3731 Wetmore Everett WA 98201
At Mildred's request, there will be no service.