Dawn Marie Heckel

Dawn M. Heckel, 61 a native of Lancaster County, PA passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, January 18, 2011 while visiting her grandchildren in Florida. Dawn was born September 21, 1949 in Lancaster Pennsylvania to Evelyn Jackson and Luther Heckel. She was raised in the Lititz area, and graduated from Warwick High School. Dawn was recognizable by her beautiful smile and happy demeanor at many shops locally such as Roots Market, Matthew 25 and numerous book stores and consignment shops where she enjoyed two of her passions, shopping for bargains and reading. Married to Rick L. Koller for the past twelve years, whom she met in Florida, Dawn and Rick moved back to Lititz Pennsylvania in 1999 where they began a new life in the peaceful surroundings of Lancaster. Dawn underwent a lung transplant in June 2002 at Johns Hopkins hospital. Dawn made a full and complete recovery giving her a second chance at life and the opportunity to see her grandchildren grow and become an integral part of their lives. Dawn made friends during the 20 years she lived and worked in Florida as an engineering technician for MCI and later the Sony Corporation. Dawn’s daughter Leslie A. McCullough also survives her as does Leslie’s husband Ken and their 4 children of Coconut Creek, FL. Dawn is also survived by her sister Judy Welk of East Petersburg, PA and Dawn’s nephew Jerry Waller of Lancaster, PA. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 from 10 to 11am with a Memorial Service to follow at 11am in the BABIONE FUNERAL HOME, 10060 Calle Comercio Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33428 561-483-9500 A Memorial Service is being considered for Dawn in Pennsylvania at a later date.