Elaine Rosemary Heichel

Beloved Wife, Mother and Grandmother

Elaine “Lanie” Rosemary Heichel, 97, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 24th, 2024, after a long and beautiful life.

Elaine was born April 19th, 1926, in Everett Washington to Hilda and Martin Moen. She spent most of her life in the Swans Trail area of Snohomish with her three siblings Eddie, Milly and Al. Her siblings remained close for their entire lives, all living well into their 90’s.

In 1944, Elaine graduated from Snohomish High School and met the love of her life, John Heichel. John and Elaine were married in 1946 and were blessed with three beautiful boys, Ron, Wayne and Ken. Elaine loved her husband or “her Johnnie” as she affectionately called him, and cherished the life that they built together. Her sons were the light of her life, and she was so proud to be their mom.

Elaine’s life was full of family time. She enjoyed family camping trips, fishing with her boys, picking berries and teaching her grandchildren to bake. Her hobbies included knitting, baking and bowling.

She was preceded in death by her son Ron, her husband John, her sister Millie and both of her parents. She never went a day without thinking of them.

She is survived by her sons, Wayne and Ken; her daughters in-law, Kathy and Carmen; her five grandchildren; Kerrie, Chad, Tara, Aron and Angie; her ten great-grandchildren; Alyson, Nicholas, Tanner, Hailie, Cohen, Ryder, Cheyanne, Hannah, Walker, and Johnny.

Elaine will be remembered as the best mother and grandma. She was a kind and generous person who could bring light and warmth to every room. She had a funny sense of humor and kept all of us laughing. She never forgot a birthday, and you never left her house without a sweet treat. Her home was a refuge from worry and her hugs made everything better.

Elaine was a woman of faith and had no fear of death. She felt that her life was well-lived and never took a day for granted. She looked forward to reuniting with her loved ones, especially her dear son, Ron and her Johnnie. Her spirit will live on in all of us and we know that we will hug her again one day.

Her wishes were for us not to cry for her, but to find peace in happy reunions and a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, please hug your loved ones and send a happy prayer to heaven.