Lucille Audrey (Blume) Heckman

Lucille passed away peacefully on Friday, November 20, 2020, of natural causes. Lucille's wish was to remain in her own home, assisted by her children, as she aged and she got her wish. She was born on March 21, 1927, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Henry John Blume and Marguerite Miller Blume. She married Leo Robert Heckman (predeceased 1977) on October 18, 1951 on the stage of the Stanley Theatre. Lucille is survived by her three children - Lynn Heckman (Kevin Smay), Loreen Dreven (Dr. Lee) and Lee Heckman (Susan Manganiello). She adored her grandchildren; Lyndon Dreven (Hannah), and Layne Dreven (Chelsea) all of Columbus, Ohio. She was the cherished GreatGa, to three Great-Grandsons - Layton, Lachlan and Foster, and one Great-Granddaughter - Ellis. She thoroughly enjoyed raising her three children in Mount Lebanon, as part of the baby boomer generation. Later she watched as her grandsons grew up in the same neighborhood and proudly attended countless Mt. Lebanon activities and sporting events, and then traveled to Ohio State to cheer for her grandsons. She was a vibrant, independent, and according to her grandsons, an amazing, accomplished cool person, and they never tired of bragging about her. Lucille graduated from Dormont High School at age 16 in 1944. She was active in her high school reunion activities, and was a member of the Dormont Historical Society. As a young woman she was a model for the Continental Models of Pittsburgh, including fashion shows and print photography, for Pittsburgh department stores. Lucille worked as an executive assistant and draftsman, for Blawnox engineers, where she had a top security clearance to work on development of the Manhattan Project. In 1952 Leo and Lucille moved to Mt. Lebanon, where she resided until she was 84. She became a member of the newly established Bower Hill Community Church. She is a past choir member, greeter, usher, and member of the session. At 83 she began supervising the construction of her retirement villa at Neville Park. She had a great time living there and made many new and delightful friends in a wonderful community. After the passing of her husband in 1977, she went to work for Wheelabrator Frye as an executive assistant, working on environmental remediation projects. After taking an early retirement at age 59, she designated herself the 'volunteer' business manager, and social director at her son's framing shop and gallery. Always a meticulous organizer, she kept a tight ship. A place for everything, and everything in its place! Lucille was a member of Music for Mt. Lebanon and KeyNotes and was a judge for the KeyNotes spring musical scholarship competition. She also belonged to the Pittsburgh Jazz Society, and was a member and volunteer for the Mt.Lebanon Historical Society. She served as a docent for the Pittsburgh Symphony Christmas House Tours. In the 60's and 70's she was a member of Teamsters Local #249 Ladies Auxiliary, at the same time her husband Leo served as a Business Agent & Union Organizer. Lucille loved travel whether it was a trip to Greece, exploring history in Williamsburg, a month-long trip through many countries of Europe in her fifties, or just lying on the beach or around a pool, and relaxing. If it was a sunny day at home, she'd take a cruise in her convertible with the roof down, and enjoy the wind in her hair! But most of all she loved just spending time with her family, and watching each new generation develop. Above all else, and her many unique accomplishments, our mother was the most exceptional Mother, Gramia, and GreatGa. She selflessly gave to her entire family and community, we are proud to honor her. It was a life well-lived. Our mother was always a charismatic shooting star, we are not surprised that when it was time to pass, she did so, quickly. Donations in Lucille's memory may be made to the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank or Unity Food Pantry. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Arrangements are private and entrusted to WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, Scott Twp., (412-563-5350).
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