Obituary of Joan S Heichel

Joan Sargent Heichel, age 84, of Mansfield, PA was reunited at the pearly gates with the love her life, Bob. Together they shared 66 years of marriage. Joan passed away on November 28, 2022 at Sheila's Personal Care Home in Mansfield, PA. Joan and her twin sister were born at home in Lambs Creek in Mansfield, PA on January 6, 1938 to Frank and Florence (Barnes) Sargent, Sr. Early in life Joan naturally assumed the role of caregiver to her 13 siblings, a role she maintained throughout her lifetime. Caring for others fulfilled her heart. She was always there for her parents, her children, family members, neighbors, and anyone in need. Bob and Joan together raised three daughters. Joan took pride in being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Together Bob and Joan owned and operated Heichel's Gulf on Main Street in Mansfield until their retirement. In retirement Joan found joy caring for children as a cafeteria monitor at Warren L. Miller Elementary School. In Heichel's home everyone felt welcome, to share in Joan's enthusiasm for quilting, antiques, or just to visit over a home cooked meal. Joan was preceded in death by parents, her husband, Robert (Bob) Heichel, a daughter, Debbie Heichel, a great grandson, Garrett McMullen, her brothers, William, Leo, Neal, Nathaniel, Frank Jr., Eugene, Richard, Douglas, Robert, and sisters, Frances, Ruth, Joanna. Joan is survived by a sister, Betty Sargent Thompson, sister-in-laws, Ruthie Powlison and Doris Sargent, daughters, Lois (Buzz) McMullen and Susan (Chris) Bixby, grandchildren, Jason (Judy) and Brandon (Katie) McMullen, Britton and Collin Bixby, great-grandchildren, Jenna, Jaydon, Maeve, and Esther McMullen. Our hearts are broken, sad, and heavy. At the family's request we will gather privately and there will be no calling hours. May you rest in peace until we meet again. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc. 637 S. Main St. Mansfield, PA is assisting the family.