Jean Hecker

Of Hewlett, New York, died March 26, 2014 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, at age 96 following a short illness. Daughter of Lawrence and Ruth Rothbart Fox, born February 17, 1918. Graduate of James Madison High School in Brooklyn and Smith College class of 1939. Jean married Malcolm Hecker in 1940, a wonderful union lasting until his untimely death in 1973. Later she enjoyed a long and fulfilling relationship with Alex Terrin, MD until his death in 2001. Jean was a teacher, student of French, lover of the arts and a world traveler. For 35 years from age 60 to 95, she spent her winters at Club Med Caravelle in Guadeloupe, where she was loved by all. Jean was a wonderful mother and great friend to her two sons, Tom and Peter, of New York City and Berkeley, California, respectively. She was the sweet and loving “Grandma Jean” to her granddaughters, Amanda Hecker of Berkeley, California and Nathalie Hecker of Jerusalem, Israel. She is also survived by her sister Anne Levitt of New York City, and brother Alan Fox of San Diego, California, and many loving nieces and nephews all over the world. Jean was fun and engaging, empathic and supportive, and people of all ages were drawn to her charm, good looks and sweet sense of humor. She had a profoundly positive effect and influence on those who were lucky enough to know her. Funeral services at Boulevard Riverside, 1450 Broadway, Hewlett, New York on March 31 at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to THIRTEEN (825 Eighth Ave. New York, NY 10019-7435; thirteen.org), Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC, 446 West 33 Street, New York, NY 10001-2601) or a charity of your choice.