Margaret L. Heck

Margaret L. Heck (Peggy), age 95, passed away on May 19, 2025. She was born in Louisville on June 30, 1929, the daughter of Nancy and Earl Merrick. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert Merrick, her sister Nancy Jane Vaughn, and her husband of 69 years Herbert L. Heck. She is survived by her brother Ryon Merrick and her children Terry Heck (Charlotte), Wendy Welsh (John), Jennifer Heck, Jeffrey Heck (Anita), grandchildren Gregory Heck (Kelly), Chloe Heck, Bryce Heck, and one great-grandson Dylan Heck.

Peggy grew up in Audubon Park and met her future husband Herb while attending Prestonia Elementary. Peggy was the consummate mother, supporting and encouraging her children in all of their endeavors. She wore many hats over the years – Cub Scout den mother, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, PTA President, Goodwill Volunteer, Sunday school teacher, and GED adult tutor. She shared her love of baking with all her children by teaching them how to bake cakes, pies, and cookies from the Betty Crocker Cookbook

She constantly reinforced the importance of education and insured that her daughter Jennifer, who had cerebral palsy, had the same opportunities as able-bodied individuals during her 59 years of life. Peggy’s biggest enjoyment came from traveling and visiting all of the lower 48 states with her husband, family, and dogs. First in a tent and graduating to a 5th wheel camper. She was a member and choir participant at Southeast Christian.

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held on Tuesday May 27, 2025 at Evergreen Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4623 Preston Highway, Louisville, KY in a joint service for her daughter, Jennifer Heck, who passed away 4 days subsequent to Peggy on May 23, 2025. Visitation will be between 11 and 3PM with the service following at 3PM.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hosparus and Nazareth Home for the care they supplied to Peggy and for the family support. The family asks that expressions of sympathy be made in the form of a donation to Johnson University for the Herbert and Margaret Heck Scholarship Fund. The checks should be made payable to Johnson University and mailed to 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37998 with a memorial note. Contributions can also be made online at www.johnsonu.edu/donate with a memorial designation.