Pat Heffren

Pat Heffren, known to her friends and family as Pat, Patty Ann, Ma and Grandma, passed away at OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois on November, 19, 2022. Mom beat cancer 3 times and while she didn't beat it this time, she out ran it with dignity, grace and a warrior spirit. Patricia Ann Hopkins was born at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, Illinois on January 25th, 1943 to James Dale and Edith Mae (Schiable) Hopkins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Nadine Mayberry. Pat is survived by her four children, Tom (Janet) Higgins of Peoria, Kelly (Mike) Poster of Davenport, Iowa, Christy (John) Getz of Morton, Mike (Julie) Higgins of Peoria and 9 grandchildren, Caitlin Poster, Ryne Higgins, Jake Poster, Shea Higgins, Sean Higgins, Bridget Poster, Kieran Higgins, Maeve Higgins and Maggie Getz. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews, Monica, Danny, Stacey and Suzie, many great-nieces and nephews as well as her dear cousins Bobette James, Bonnie Nelson, James Buchanan, Margie Williams, Frank Landers and Stephen Quidd and all of their children and grandchildren. Pat worked multiple jobs to support her family before settling into a career with Ruppman Marketing in Peoria. At Ruppman she and her co-workers provided customer service and technical support on everything from breakfast cereal to home appliances and electronic devices. It was during these yeas that she developed a network of Ruppman "cronies". We would like to thank the cronies and the Ruppman family. Mom survived two serious battles with breast cancer while employed at Ruppman and she couldn't have done this without all of the moral and other support you all provided during those times. Pat was also very blessed to form a close knit group of friends during her youth. These friends were so tight knit that they became "Aunts" to one another's children and the children entered adulthood with a large group of friends we fondly refer to as our "fake cousins". That family theme continued to Pat's crew of friends from her child raising years on the East Bluff. These ladies and their children also became family. Carmen Menchaca and Mary Miller and their children also became family. Since 2019, Pat has been a member of the community at B'nai B'rith senior apartments. She appreciated all of her friends, neighbors and staff at B'nai B'rith. Her family is especially appreciative of Lisa, Mike and Crystal. Pat enjoyed socializing, spending time with, loving on, and having lots of laughs and adventures with all of these people wherever and whenever possible. She did this right up to and into her early days in hospice. Our family would like to thank the staff at OSF St. Francis Emergency and Short Stay Units and especially the angel caregivers at the OSF Richard Owens Hospice House. You made an unbearable circumstance bearable. You provided care and comfort to our mother and our large group of family and friends. We are forever grateful. Memorials may be made to either the Susan Komen Foundation or the Richard Owens Hospice House. A celebration of life will be scheduled in the near future. Until that time, and until you see Pat again, she wants you to know that it's not "goodbye", it's Peace Out! Schmidt-Haller Burial and Cremation Services are entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.schmidthaller.com Events Details are pending.

Pat Heffren

January 25, 1943 - November 19, 2022