Sister Mary Elaine Hecker

Sister Mary Elaine Hecker, a Sister of St. Mary of Namur for 63 years, died May 24, 2021. Shewas 81 years old.

The daughter of Sheldon and Eunice Hecker, she entered the order in 1958 and made her perpetual vows in 1967. She received a B.A. in education from D’Youville College and further education at Misericordia College in Pennsylvania.

Sister’s mission was marked by a preference for the most vulnerable. She taught pre-school and early grade children at Annunciation School, St. John School in Kenmore, Sacred Heart School in Lowell, Mass., and St. Mary School and DeSales School in Lockport. Sister taught at St. Jude Elementary in Sumter, S.C. She also worked at the Day Care Center at Mount St. Mary and the Development Center at Lowell General Hospital. She served in the infirmary at Mount St. Mary and even served as a bus aide. She was willing to do whatever necessary to help the less fortunate in society. A hallmark of Sr. Mary Elaine’s life was her gentleness and generosity. Wherever there was a need her desire was to help.

In 2012, the Western New York Home and Services for the Aging awarded her a certificate of merit for her “outstanding service in maintaining quality care for the aged and chronically ill” at Lockport Presbyterian Home. Sr. Mary Elaine is survived by her cousins Jerry Servais of Auburn, New York, Mike and Elaine Servais of Tennessee and Bill and Carol Servais of Virginia. Her wake will be held at St. Mary Center on Lafayette Avenue on Thursday, May 27th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 28th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Center.

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