Jean Marie Heck

Jean Marie Heck of Hernando, FL (formerly of Monticello, IL) passed away on May 09, 2026, at the age of 85 after an extended battle with cancer. She was born in Ashtabula, OH on May 17, 1940, to Mary Buonomo and John Donatone. She spent her youth in Ashtabula and graduated from Harbor High School in 1958. Jean’s uncle Harry introduced her to Earl Heck while he was serving the US Coast Guard, stationed in Ashtabula. They were married on August 1, 1960, and spent 40 years raising their family in Nokomis, Blue Mound and Monticello (IL) before retiring to Hernando FL in 2000.

Jean and Earl celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last August, a testament to their love and devotion to one another. In addition to her loving husband, Jean is survived by their three children: Tim (Lincoln) Heck of St. Petersburg, FL, Kay (Tim) Redding of Hernando, FL and Chris Heck of Homosassa, FL. Not surprising, her pride and joy were her grandchildren Jacob Jones, Shelby Jones, Taylor Heck, Megan Redding and great-grandchildren Baker Jones and Sawyer Huey. Jean was proceeded in death by her brother Gary Donatone and sister Anita Mikolajczak.

Jean and Earl spent 28 years in Monticello where Jean worked as the bookkeeper for Foster Construction and Foster Bowl. She was also involved with the Monticello Women’s Club. They were both very active music boosters for the 7 years their children were involved in the Marching Sages band program – serving as treasurer for the organization as well as chaperoning many trips and competitions, including spending their wedding anniversary at the annual band camp for 5 years.

After moving to Florida in 2000, Jean & Earl became members of the Skyview Golf and Country Club where it was not uncommon to see Jean on the course 2-3 times a week. She was named Ladies Club Champion in 2010 and served the local golfers as president of the Skyview Ladies Golf Association in 2007 as well as a volunteering for the local Brassies Women’s Golf Association.

The family would like to thank the staff at Diamond Ridge Health & Rehab and VITAS Healthcare, both of Lecanto, FL, for their excellent care and compassion. In lieu of flowers/plants, memorial donations can be made in Jean’s name to her hospice care group, VITAS Healthcare, by calling 352-527-2020.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Jean on Wednesday, June 24 from 4:00 to 6:00pm at Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club in Hernando, FL.