Madeline (Raes) Heald

Madeline J. (“Mickey”) Heald

Lyons - Mickey was born on the family farm in Lyons on May 20, 1927 and passed away November 4, 2019, aged 92 years, at the Wayne County Nursing Home. She was the daughter of Dutch immigrants, was proud of that heritage, and had a genuine love for America.

Preceded in death by her husband, Edward Heald, parents Charles and Anna Raes, half-brother Joseph Raes, brothers Arthur, Edward, and Peter Raes, as well as her special companion, Peppi the cat.

Survived by her son Steven (Pamela) Heald of Sodus Center, several nieces and nephews, great-, and great-great-nieces and nephews, along with several cousins in this country and The Netherlands, and many, many dear friends.

Mickey had a solid work ethic instilled by her parents during the Great Depression. As a young woman, she worked as a laborer on local muck farms, at several area canning factories, and as an aide in a nursing home. In later years she worked at Hickok Manufacturing in Lyons, and her favorite employer, Sarah Coventry in Newark. Her courage, strong Dutch perseverance, infectious sense of humor, and unwavering faith carried her through life’s challenges. Her smile and laugh were contagious. She loved music, and enjoyed dancing. A particular joy for Mickey was the opportunity to come to know special family members in The Netherlands when she traveled there several years ago. In recent years she became an avid Syracuse men’s basketball fan, staying up late to watch their games.

Calling hours will be observed Thursday, November 7 from 4 pm to 8 pm at Norman L. Waterman Funeral Home, 124 W. Miller Street, Newark, NY. A Funeral Mass will be said for Mickey at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 401 S. Main Street, Newark, NY on Friday, November 8 at 10 am immediately followed by a reception at the church. Interment at Brick Church Cemetery, Sodus, NY.

Gifts in Mickey’s memory may be directed to Humane Society of Wayne County, 1475 County House Road, Lyons, NY 14489 or Wayne County Nursing Home Foundation, 1529 Nye Road, Lyons, NY 14489.

A special thank you is extended to the staff at the Wayne County Nursing Home, where the care she received was nothing short of extraordinary, and to the parishioners of the Church of the Epiphany in Sodus, who never forgot her.

Arrangements entrusted to Norman L. Waterman Funeral Home, Newark, NY.

Please write a memory or condolence to the family by visiting www.watermanfuneralhome.com.


 

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