Deborah M. “Debbie” Heckman, 53, of Mechanicsburg, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2017 in Springfield Regional Medical Center.

She was born June 2, 1963 in Barbertown, Ohio.

Debbie’s passion was teaching. She was a teacher at Tecumseh Local Schools with many of her students coming back as adults, praising her for teaching & touching their lives at such a young age. Debbie was a member of the Red Hot Mommas and enjoyed photography, historical research, genealogy, reading & thrifting with her friends. She was a nature lover, spending time in nature and taking nature walks. Debbie was excited to finally become a grandmother and to welcome Oliver Heckman in May.

She is survived by her husband of 23 years, David R. Heckman; her sons, Johnathan Telin of Springfield & David Heckman, II of Urbana; her mother, Marie (Larry) Rhodes; her brothers, Mike Telin (Daniel Hathaway) of Cleveland, Ohio and Patrick Telin of Dallas, Texas; her 3 nephews; and her many friends.

Deborah is preceded in death by her father, Ahti Telin and her sister, Lucinda DuVall.

A gathering of family and friends was held from 2-6 PM on Saturday, February 18, 2017 in the SKILLMAN, McDONALD & VERNON Funeral Home, Mechanicsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Debbie’s Go Fund Me account, gofundme.com/debbieheckman.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.