IN MEMORIAM: Aline M. Heller, 95;
Native Daughter Active In Christ Church
COOPERSTOWN – Aline M. Heller, a native of Cooperstown and long-time faithful member of Christ Church, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, May 10, 2017, at her home in Hyde Park with her family and the Rector, the Rev’d Dane E. Boston by her side. She was 95.
Born Dec. 1, 1921, in Cooperstown, Aline was a daughter of Harry Grant Campbell and Pearl née Vroman Campbell.
After graduating from Cooperstown High School in 1940 she met Bill Heller, who had just moved to Cooperstown and was working at Smalley’s Theatre. They were married Easter Sunday, April 13, 1941, at Christ Church in Cooperstown.
Of the Episcopal faith, Aline was a life-long member of Christ Church, and before her death was their oldest member. Through the years, she served the church in many ways, including teaching Sunday School, serving on the Altar Guild and with St. Margaret’s Chapter, and was the first woman elected to serve on an all-male Vestry. She was also member of the Native Daughters of Cooperstown and a life member of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Auxiliary. A volunteer for many years at The Meadows, where she and Bill ran Bingo for the residents, she was the first manager of the Otsego County Nutrition Program. She led a full and productive life, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Aline is survived by two daughters, Sandra Thorne and husband, Marshall of Cooperstown and Marion Terpening of Warren, Ohio; three grandchildren, Jeffrey S. Thorne and wife, Stephanie, Matthew W.C. Terpening and Meredith M. Arn; eight great-grandchildren, Dakota R. and Natasha L. Thorne; Andrew J., Matthew D., Jaden N., Trinity R. and Tristan Terpening, and Brenna M. Arn; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, William R.P. Heller, who died FeB. 6, 1998; a brother, The Rev’d Harry Grant Campbell, Jr., Lt. Col US Army (Ret.) who died May 14, 2000; and a sister, Thelma C. Ryan.
The Office of the Burial Of the Dead (Rite One) with Holy Eucharist was offered Saturday, May 13, in Christ Church, with the Rev’d Dane E. Boston, Rector officiating.
The Service of Committal and Burial will follow in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be made to the Christ Church All Souls Fund, 69 Fair Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.