Patricia Gorham Heckman

February 6, 1940 – April 19, 2025

Mary Patricia (Ducklo) Gorham Heckman, 85, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, at Mary Queen of Angels assisted living facility in Nashville, Tennessee. Born on February 4, 1940, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Robert and Rosemary Ducklo, “Pat” lived a life full of love, laughter, and unmistakable flair. She was a devoted mother, a proud grandmother, a loyal friend, and a woman who brought light and style wherever she went. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ira Heckman, her former husband, Dr. Matthias Joseph Gorham, Jr., her parents and her brother, Dr. Robert Ducklo.

After moving to Nashville as a young girl, Pat attended St. Bernard’s Academy, where she was elected class president all four years—a reflection of her natural leadership and charisma. She later attended Maryville University in St. Louis before marrying Dr. Matthias Joseph Gorham, Jr., in 1959. Together, they made a home in Nashville and raised four children, a source of pride and joy throughout her life.

Pat was an accomplished tennis player and longtime member of Hillwood Country Club. She played and competed across the Southeast, winning countless awards alongside her trusted teammates and friends. In her later years, she continued to play with a close-knit group who called themselves “The Fab Four”: Mary Rose Conlin, Pam Hickman and Cheryl Miller. Their friendship extended far beyond the court—they shared long lunches, laughter, casino trips, and a bond that brought joy to every stage of life. Pat also had a 20-year career selling residential real estate with the Lipman Group and was a devoted member and past president of the Sow and Grow Garden Club.

She is survived by her children: Dr. Matthias Joseph Gorham III (Martha), Karen Ableman (Randy), Robert Lloyd Gorham (Katherine), and Thomas Christopher “Tee” Gorham (Dawn); her brothers Dr. Tommy Ducklo (Beth) and Dr. Jimmy Ducklo (Amy); her sisters, Rosemary Sexton and Kathy Nourse; 15 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Pat’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched—through the laughter of her grandchildren, the strength of her children, and the countless memories held close by those who loved her. She was truly one of a kind, and she will be missed more than words can say.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mary Queen of Angels and Alive Hospice as well as Athena Green and her staff at Angel Grace Healthcare Services for their extraordinary care, compassion and support during Pat’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mary Queen of Angels, 34 White Bridge Pike, Nashville, TN 37205; Alive Hospice, 1710 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203; St. Bernard Academy, 2304 Bernard Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212; or the charity of your choice.

After a private service, the family will host a reception for friends and family to celebrate Pat’s life at Hillwood Country Club on Friday, April 25th from 4 – 6pm.