Norah Heckman

On November 6, 2021, Norah Manning Heckman passed away in Arlington, Virginia. She was born on November 19, 1951 and was preceded in death by her parents, Admiral Albert Heckman and Jane Aal Heckman.

As the daughter of a Coast Guard officer, Norah was fortunate to have the opportunity to grow up in various ports of call stateside and overseas. After her father received a post at the Pentagon, she went on to graduate from an Arlington high school and then receive a degree in Foreign Affairs at Mary Washington College (now the University of Mary Washington). During her lifetime, Norah held a number of administrative positions in both Pasadena, California and Washington, D.C., at Ralph Parsons Engineering and later with the World Wildlife Foundation. She also completed Master’s Degrees in Liberal Arts and Library Science.

Norah often said that her years at Mary Washington were the most inspiring and meaningful in her life. The friendships formed during that time became lifelong. She had a marvelous sense of humor and a musical laugh which delighted everyone. The close friends who survive her are rich with an abundance of wonderful memories which will not go to the grave. While she is gone, she is not forgotten.

For those who wish to honor her memory, donations can be made to the United States Coast Guard or to the Mary Washington Historic Preservation Department.