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Teresa Heikes

August 22, 2022
Los Osos, CA

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Heikes, Teresa Margaret 2/3/1927 - 8/22/2022 Los Osos Teresa Margaret Heikes, an amazing and inspiring woman to her family and friends, and much-loved, passed away peacefully in Los Osos, CA on August 22, 2022 at age 95. Teresa was born Teresa Margaret Goldsmith in 1927 in Scotts, Michigan to Wallace and Mary Esther (Martens) Goldsmith, where she and her two older brothers, Wallace and Louis, lived with her parents on the family farm during the Depression years. She was named for her paternal grandmother, and called "Margaret" by most, "Sis" by her brothers, later "Mom," by her children, and still later "Nonnie," by her grandson and other children she cared for. Her father, a mason and builder, died in 1943, while her brothers were serving in World War II. Following her mother's example of self-reliance and hard work, after her high school graduation, she worked at the Kalamazoo Gazette and moved "to town." She met her soon-to-be husband, Harold D. Heikes, at a holiday dance in 1945 and they married in June 1946. They had three children: Terri, Gary, and Bonnie. Once her children were all in school she returned to the workforce, and was eventually employed as a senior secretary at Miller Davis Construction Company in Kalamazoo, MI. In 1963, following her divorce, she and her children relocated to Los Angeles, and she pursued a successful career in business administration. After the birth of her grandchild in 1984, she followed her passion and began a new career, starting with caring for infants in her home. Later she became a much sought-after doula for newborns in their homes. Finally retiring at age 80, she gave many children a secure and loving foundation for their lives. She also authored an infant childcare handbook titled "Your Newborn Baby" which was published and widely distributed. Her stellar work ethic was a model for her children, who emulated her example in their own successful endeavors. Margaret was much more than a great mother, talented businesswoman, and unique entrepreneur. She had a strong creative sensibility, and was an exceptional seamstress and textile artist, fabulous cook, avid gardener, and a friend and mentor to many. Upon retirement, she moved to Los Osos, CA to live near two of her three now-retired children. Although she loved living in California, she returned to southwestern Michigan frequently to visit family and friends. Teresa Margaret Goldsmith Heikes is survived by her devoted and loving family: children Terri Dunlap, Gary Heikes, and Bonnie Heikes; son-in-law R. Scott Dunlap; grandson Brian Dunlap; one nephew and three nieces. Margaret chose not to have any memorial services. You may find many treasured photos of her, and we would appreciate your sharing fond memories of her at: Tinyurl.com/TMHMemories. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to causes dear to her, Planned Parenthood, a local Food Bank or to your favorite progressive charity.