of Delaware, AR
January 4, 1936 - June 11, 2021
Cecile J. Hecker, 85, of Delaware, Arkansas passed away on Friday, June 11, 2021 at Legacy Heights Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Russellville.
She was born on January 4, 1936 in Lewiston, Maine to her parents, Charles Morgan and Laura (Marcotte) Morgan. She attended Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine where she was a member of the graduating Class of 1954. Cecile married Herbert C. Hecker, Jr. on June 22, 1957 and together they raised three children in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Cecile taught fourth grade, remedial reading and special education. She was a pro-life researcher, journalist and lecturer. Through this work and her ten years as the Executive Director of Pennsylvanians for Human Life, Cecile helped to save the lives of many children. Cecile received her Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1991. When she retired, she and her husband returned to Lewiston, Maine and became members of the Secular Franciscan Order of the Roman Catholic Church. After her husband passed away in 2009, she moved to Arkansas to live with her daughter. She was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Scholastica Catholic Church in New Blaine.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Laura Morgan; her husband of fifty-one years, Herbert C. Hecker, Jr.; a son, Thomas Hecker and a sister, Charlene Cianciatto.
Cecile is survived by her son, John Hecker and wife Doreen of Manassas, Virginia; a daughter, Lori Potts and husband, Thomas of Delaware, Arkansas; a daughter-in-law, Margaret Hecker of Lexington, Kentucky; two sisters, Mary Ann Morin of Auburn, Maine and Patricia McKinney of New Hampshire; five grandchildren, Robby Potts and wife, Shannon, David Potts, Carl Hecker and wife, Stephanie, Michael Hecker and Kristen Potts; two great-grandchildren, Tinnin Potts and Logan Hecker; and other family members and friends.
A memorial rosary and mass will be held on Saturday, June 19 at 1:00 pm at St. Scholastica Catholic Church in New Blaine officiated by Fr. Gregory Pilcher O.S.B..
Memorial service and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris.
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7 Condolence(s)
Irene Nicki Frye, OFS, Minister
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
The Secular Franciscan Fraternity, St Francis of Assisi, in Lewiston, ME, wish to express their deepest sympathy to Cecile Hecker's family. She and her husband were so loved by this fraternity. We will have a Mass said for her and pray for her. I personally met her just once before she moved to Arkansas and she gave each of us a book on the Blessed Mother. Her friend Mickey Madore, OFS, often spoke of her. Sadly Mickey passed away last year. Will Mrs Hecker be buried in Maine with her husband? If so, and if possible, we would like to be a presence for that. I can be reached at the above email.
Tony and Luz Hecker
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
I remember very fondly those times though they were few, of our visits with each other, at your home and once, in North Carolina. Thank you Cecil for you, and for the hapiness you gave my brother.
Sandy Genter
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Dean and I are so, so sorry for your deep loss. My memories of Aunt Cecile will always be of her love for people and zeal for life. A very special woman. God Bless you all.
Ted Ivy
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
SO SO sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family during this timed. May God comfort you all as much as he can.
Carolyn Phillips
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
I will miss you Cecile at our quilting meetings, especially when we talk about the color "blue". My heart goes to your family that will miss your gentleness.
Michael Hecker
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Thinking of all the great memories from visits to Maine (and Sam's subs), the lake houses, plus trips to Arkansas and Virginia. She was so loved and will be missed!
Connie Fontenot
Monday, June 14, 2021
Condolences Lori, to you and your entire family.