Sally L. Heckelman

Sally L Heckelman (94) beloved Wife, Mother, Grand Mother, Great and Great Great Grandmother peacefully passed away at Pebble Creek Healthcare Center in Akron, Ohio on March 23, 2026 after a five year battle with Vascular Dementia. Thanks to the staff and nurses (Charlotte Scherer, RN) at Pebble Creek and to Summa Hospice for their care.

Born October 6, 1931 in Akron, Ohio, her Parents were Roland (Ted) and Helen Seaman

Sally married Wendell (Jim) Heckelman on October 14, 1950

Preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Wendell (Jim) Heckelman,her parents Roland and Helen Seaman, her brother Ted Seaman, Grand children Bobby and Cristina Corley and many lifelong friends.

Sally had four children Terri (Lyle) Pohly, Gary (Connie) Heckelman, Kelly (Ron) Odum, Robbin (Mark) Kiltau.

Sally and Jim's house was the neighborhood epicenter for many kids, Buzz Allshouse, Sue Hirshfelt and Marc Pedrosa were family favorites.

Her Grandchildren, Robert (Bobby) Corley, Christina (Chrissy) Corley, Salli Naska, Andrea Kadilac, Lindsey Kiltau-Walker; Bonus Grandchildren, Courtney Pohly and Lisa, Brandon and Heather Odum; 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; Bradley and Bob Seaman, her brother Ted's sons, were also dearly loved nephews.

Mom had many friends through the years and many have passed. A special thanks to Lisa Haysenyager and Nora Sutton for their care and love. Jim Ingersoll Sr was also a dear friend.

Sally was active in the PTA, a Room Mother, she volunteered for years at Children's Hospital. She was a member and Deacon at Oak Hill Presbyterian Church as well as singing in the Choir, singing was a joy for her and she often sang along with the songs on the radio. Her good friend Marie Santi, (recently passed), talked of taking vocal lessons with the hope of performing with Marie's husband's band, John Santi’s Nite People, Alas that wasn't meant to be. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society for a time and enjoyed their activities.

Music was a huge part of her household activities due in part to Jim's love of all types of music, especially live music. Sally and Jim hosted dozens of Jazz Jam sessions with some of Akron's best players. She learned to cook for large numbers of people and her roaster full of Cabbage Rolls was a delight to many. Sally and Jim supported numerous local bands by attending their shows with an inevitable invite from Jim to attend an upcoming Jam session at the house and ‘Bring your Axe.’ Her and Jim loved to dance and Jitterbug. Her very good friend Pat Catlette helped Mom expand her Crocheting abilities and she loved to give her finished products to family and friends. Sally enjoyed going to aerobics classes with her daughter Terri, she loved all sorts of crafting especially creating Christmas Wreaths.

While in her early 50's after Jim's passing away, she learned to drive for the first time in her life, her son Gary tried to teach her for a week or so, but decided that was a job for a professional. Local folk will understand this, Mom fancied herself the ‘Queen of Tallmadge Circle’ related to her newly developed driving skills. The Holidays, especially Christmas were very special to her.

Sally held a number of short term jobs throughout her life with Goodyear, Golden Age Beverage and Dr Leonard's medical practice. Her most important full-time job was raising her four children. A favorite work story of Mom's was when she worked at the Goodyear cafeteria, before she was married. She had to take a morning tray up to the Goodyear President, being new to the job she was a bit anxious about this task. She entered his office, he was at his desk, covered with papers and spilled the Orange Juice all over his desk. She didn't volunteer for that task again.

On March 21, 2021 Sally began a journey that would last almost exactly five years, the family decided to do what was necessary to honor her wishes to stay at home as long as possible. Her son Gary was able to assist her aging in place with the physical help from her son in law Lyle, he and Terri were always just a phone call away. Kelly and Robbin were helpful in many ways even though they lived out of town. Gary's wife Connie fully supported him and never complained about the time spent away from the house and her while caring for mom. Terri (Lyle), Kelly (Ron) and Robbin (Mark) were all helpful financially, emotionally and spiritually.

Over the last 5 years Lisa Haysenyager was nearly a weekly visitor, Sally loved her visits and trips to have dinner and to attend live music events. For the last 4 years Lisa took mom to the Kent Blues Fest to hear Gary play, she will be sorely missed this year.

Sally will be forever missed by all her family and remaining friends. She made people laugh and smile wherever she went. She welcomed all to her home and made them feel comfortable. She had a good long life, some adventures and travel with her beloved husband Jim and with family.

Mom you'll live forever in our hearts and memories.

Flowers or donations in Sally Heckelman's name may be sent to: Oak Hill Presbyterian Church or Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home

Family and friends will be received Wednesday, April 8th from 10 to 11am at Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, 2406 Ardwell Ave. Akron, OH 44312. Funeral service will begin at 11am with Pastor Brian Nutt presiding. A celebration of life luncheon will be held immediately following the service from 12 to 1:30pm on the lower floor of the church.