Mary Elizabeth Van Heesch

Mary Elizabeth Van Heesch, age 51, a native of Orwell, NY, currently a resident of Memphis, passed away on Friday evening, August 27, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse, after a courageous battle with cancer.  At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on July 4, 1970 in Oswego, NY daughter of the late Robert E. Minor and Carol A. (Lacombe) Minor of Memphis, NY.  Mary received her education in Sandy Creek schools and graduated with the class of 1988.   She attended Bryant and Stratton for Travel and Tourism and was a dedicated travel agent with AAA in the CNY region for many years.  On July 30, 1994, Mary was united in marriage with Richard Michael Van Heesch in Cicero, NY; a loving and devoted union of 27 years until Richard’s passing on August 1, 2021. The family is comforted by the fact that she is now reunited with the love of her life and other beloved late family members.

Mary could always be found caring for her fur baby, Doug.  She was talented at crafting and enjoyed making wreaths for family and friends.  She was famous for her bread boat dip. 

Survivors include her loving family, her daughter Ciara Ranee Van Heesch (Kyle) of Elbridge; her mother, Carol A. Minor of Memphis; her siblings, Michael Minor and wife Andrea of Clarence Center, Jennifer Pappa and husband Patrick of Orwell, NY, Rebecca Minor (Hans) of Pulaski and she was preceded in death by her brother, Kevin Orr.  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, that she adored. 

The family will receive relatives and friends at Traub Funeral Home, Central Square on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021 from 5-8 pm.  Mary’s funeral will commence 11 am at Evergreen Cemetery, County Route 2, Orwell, NY on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.  In lieu of floral offerings, kindly consider and send memorial contributions in Mary’s name to Pancan.org (Pancreatic Cancer Action Research Network) or to the Orwell Volunteer Fire Dept., PO Box 192, Orwell, NY 13426 or visit https://www.usfiredept.com/orwell-fire-co-17326.html.  Mary’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the sympathy, comforting words, prayers, and all other expressions of kindness and concern during their difficult time.  Please visit www.traubfh.com to offer a note of condolence or share a memory.  

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