Diane Heckler

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Diane Heckler (née Thompson) completed her journey home to her Heavenly Father-and was joyfully reunited with her beloved son and husband-on the morning of May 27, 2025. At the time of her passing, Diane was a resident of StoryPoint Portage Memory Care and was enveloped in the peace and comfort of her daughter's love.

Although she spent most of her life in Kalamazoo and Portage, Michigan since 1976, Diane was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She and her husband, Jay Heckler, proudly called Jenkintown their hometown. Diane graduated from Jenkintown High School in 1958, where she was a cheerleader and an athlete in field hockey, tennis, and basketball. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania in 1962. While at Penn, Diane was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta women's fraternity and played on the university's very first women's lacrosse team. She began her career in public health as a Visiting Nurse in the Philadelphia area and eventually became the supervisor of the Visiting Nurse Association based in Jenkintown.

Although she was born Joan Diane Thompson, she was known to all as Diane. To those closest to her-family, friends, and even her husband-she was affectionately called "Deetle," a cherished childhood nickname that stayed with her throughout her life.

Diane met Jay Wayne Heckler on a Grace Presbyterian Church field trip in eighth grade. They began dating during her senior year of high school and married at Grace Presbyterian Church on October 13, 1962. Diane continued working in nursing until October 3, 1969, when she and Jay welcomed their long-awaited son into the world. From that moment, she devoted herself completely to motherhood-a role she cherished and embraced with fierce dedication for the next 55 years. Their daughter, Stephanie Lynn, joined the family three years later on August 3, 1972.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Diane was deeply involved in her community. She gave generously of her time and energy to the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra League, where she helped raise significant funds over nearly two decades. She served as KSOL President from 1990 to 1991 and chaired numerous committees that supported the symphony's growth and continued impact.

She was also a beloved and active member of First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo, serving faithfully as a session member, communion server, and in many other roles over the years. Another organization that was dear to her heart was Special Arts, a music program for children with special needs that she helped establish and supported wholeheartedly.

Diane's love for music was matched by her joy in physical activity and time spent outdoors. She was an avid tennis player and golfer, and cherished the many years she played at West Hills, the YMCA, and The Moors Golf Club.

However, what Diane Heckler will be remembered for most is her kindness. She had a rare gift for bringing warmth, light, and comfort to anyone lucky enough to know her.

For her many friends, both near and far, it's impossible not to recall the joy of receiving a note or card from her-each one carefully crafted with tender sentiments, thoughtfully chosen words, beautifully coordinated stationery, and even a perfectly matching postage stamp. Her attention to detail reflected her deep care for the people in her life.

Whether through the eyes of a stranger, a friend, or family, Diane's smile could brighten any room. She was always the first to offer a heartfelt hug, a word of encouragement, a listening ear, or the quiet presence that was exactly right for the moment. To say she will be deeply missed is simply not enough.

Diane T. Heckler was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jay Wayne Heckler (2024); her son, Jay Scott Heckler (2013); her brother, Wayne White Thompson Jr. (2024); her sister, Patricia Anne Corliss (2007); and her parents, Anne Reilly Thompson (1986) and Wayne White Thompson Sr. (1994).

She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Lynn (Heckler) Mullen, and son-in-law, Mike Mullen of Birmingham, AL; her grandchildren E. Jaye, Evyn, and C. Cole Vlachos; grandchildren Ellie and Carson Heckler; nephew Wayne W. Thompson III; nieces Laurie (Thompson) Garner and Wendy (Thompson) Casper; and nieces Elizabeth Anne (Corliss) Silvestri, Diana (Corliss) White, Patricia (Corliss) Brynjolfsson, and Cynthia Corliss.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Diane's memory to one of the following organizations: Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, or Ministry With Community.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes and Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. To view Diane's personalized webpage, please visit: https://www.langelands.com