Audrey Josephine Heilman

Audrey J. Heilman passed away peacefully in her sleep to join her Lord and Savior on April 21st after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Her loss will be felt deeply by her many family members and friends.

Audrey was born to Rachel and Joe Hagarty in Blaine, Kansas in 1940. She grew up in Wapato, Washington with her 13 siblings and graduated from Wapato High School. In high school Audrey enjoyed working at a local bakery and this love of cooking continued through her life.

She met the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” Heilman, in 1960, after having her eye on Jerry for a number of years from the choir balcony. They were married on January 7th, 1961. They started their life together in Toppenish, then moved to the West Valley Yakima in 1967 where they raised their four children. They farmed and eventually created a wildflower and pond haven to enjoy in their retirement. She loved sitting at the barn with Jerry, enjoying the shade while watching the hummingbirds and drinking diet Pepsi. They attended Holy Family and St. Paul Cathedral and raised their children in their faith. She was married to Jerry for 63 eventful years!

Audrey loved traveling, especially to Reno, for a little gambling fun! Audrey and Jerry also took many summer trips with their kids and a vast number of nieces and nephews in their 1944 Ford school bus camper. Audrey rode shotgun next to dad in a lawn chair everywhere they traveled. They traveled often with family members to many locations, including international trips. Jerry’s brother Frank and his wife Anita with their kids were frequent campers. Audrey’s brother Les traveled to many places with Jerry and Audrey, including a memorable trip to Alaska. Audrey and Jerry traveled with Audrey’s brother Dave and his wife Ellen to tour Europe twice and had to put up with Audrey only wanting to eat at McDonalds. Jerry, Jr. and his wife Kristin enjoyed many summers fishing in the western US and Canada with the folks in their motorhome and them in their camper van. Audrey was always ready with chocolate chip cookies, kept fresh with a slice of bread, and enjoyed reading her romance novels and playing cards while others were off fishing.

Holidays were a highlight for Audrey. She loved bringing family together to celebrate. The Heilman Farm was the place to gather for holidays, graduations, and weddings. Christmas was a favorite as she enjoyed finding special gifts for everyone. Audrey worked several places around the valley including Fred Meyers and Highland Fruit to help pay for gifts and traveling. Her love was felt by everyone around her.

Audrey is survived by her husband Jerry and children Jerry, Jr., Chris, Cindy, and Mark. She was preceded in death by her mother Rachel and father Joe, sister Nancy and brother Jim. She leaves behind eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

A vigil will be held in the St. Paul Cathedral Chapel on Thursday, May 2nd at 5 p.m. A mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 3rd at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Cathedral. The procession and burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Yakima. A reception at St. Paul Cathedral will follow. Flowers may be sent to Keith and Keith Funeral Home. A memorial website for Audrey can be accessed by going to www.keithandkeith.com to share photos and memories.