Obituaries
James E. Heffern, MD, 70
James E. Heffern, M.D., 70, of Conestoga died on Friday, April 25, 2008 at Lancaster General Hospital. He was born in Washington, D.C. on January 31, 1938 to Joseph Lawrence and Helen (Rollenfeld) Heffern. Dr. Heffern married Mary Rose Flaherty on June 15, 1973 and they looked forward to celebrating his 35th wedding anniversary this year.
Dr. Heffern received both his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1960 and his Medical Degree in 1964 from Georgetown University. Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, he completed his residency at George Washington University in 1967.
Dr. Heffern has served as the Medical Director of Millersville University for the last 25 years. One of his great joys in life was treating and caring for the students, faculty and staff of Millersville University. Despite battling pancreatic and colon cancer in recent years, Dr. Heffern continued his work at Millersville University until a week before his death. Prior to joining Millersville University, Dr. Heffern had served as the Medical Director of Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and owned a successful private medical practice in Alexandria, VA for a number of years.
Dr. Heffern was a devoted husband and father and, in addition to his wife, he is survived by his four children: Joseph R. Heffern, Esq., married to Heather L. Lockner, D.O., Helen M. Coupas, married to Kevin E. Coupas, Ann E. O’Connell, married to Eric N. O’Connell, and James E. Heffern, Jr. Dr. Heffern was also a loving grandfather to five grandchildren: Elena, Joey, Elizabeth, Alex and Lexie.
Dr. Heffern loved intellectual challenges and books about mathematics and science. When he was not doting on his grandchildren, he frequently could be found studying advanced calculus, organic chemistry or quantum mechanics in his spare time. He also enjoyed walking on the beach in Ocean City, MD, watching the Sun rise over the ocean, and preparing gourmet meals for his family and friends. In addition, he was an avid connoisseur of good food.
A life-long Roman Catholic, Dr. Heffern was a parishioner of St. Leo the Great Church in Lancaster. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Ave. Lancaster on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. A viewing will be held at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 441 North George Street, Millersville on Monday, from 6-8:00PM and at the church on Tuesday morning from 10-11:00AM.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Heather,
I am so sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this time of sorrow. I lost my dad..it will be going on three years this June… May God give you the strength to help your family through this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Lori Switzer
Dear Helen,
We are all thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Everyone extends their deepest sympathy from Ground Rhoads.
I want to exted to Mrs. Heffern and your family my sincere sympathy concerning the passing of Dr. Heffern. I always looked foreward to seeing him when I worked at Dr. Lyons office. He was very friendly, and a true gentleman. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Sincerely, Mary C. Herr (Dr. Lyons secretary)
We are extremely sorry about your loss!!!
Our Prayers are with you and your family.
Deeply sadden,
Steve and Susan Quan and the entire staff at Hong Kong Garden Chinese Restaurant
Dear Mrs. Heffern, Annie, and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Heffern’s passing. I grew up feeling like a part of your family, and have so very many happy memories of him and all of you. You have my deepest sympathies, and be assured that my family and I are keeping him and you in our prayers.
With love,
Steph (Obrochta) Horn
To Mary Rose and Family,
It was with the deepest sorrow we saw that Jim had passed away and wanted you to know we sincerely send our deepest sympathies to you and the family. We know you will all treasure your memories together and we pray God will give you strength and faith as comfort in the days ahead.
With Our Deepest Sympathy,
Nancy and John Straw and family