Patricia E. Heck

Patricia Ellen Heck (Downey) July 5, 1942 – March 29, 2025

Patricia Ellen Heck (Pat), beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on March 29, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on July 5, 1942, in Hastings, MN, she grew up in Cannon Falls, where she developed a deep love for the countryside and a lifelong passion for horses.

Pat dedicated much of her life to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant, bringing compassion and kindness to those she served. She also spent part of her career as a bartender, where her quick wit and warm personality made her a favorite among customers and friends.

Outside of work, Pat had a deep love for animals and cared for many pets throughout her life. Her most recent companion, her beloved dog Honey, was a great source of comfort and joy, and was able to visit her in the nursing home before she passed. She also had a knack for creativity, spending hours embroidering and later in life painting dish towels and pillowcases. She enjoyed collecting figurines, especially cows, frogs, and owls, which brought her joy and filled her home with personality.

She was the proud mother of seven children, in order of oldest to youngest: Laurie, Lisa, Patty Jo (deceased), Jodi, Edgar (Ed), Kimberly (Kim), and Joseph (Joe). She was a loving grandmother to 29 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 54 great-grandchildren. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Opal and James Downey, as well as her daughter Patty Jo, her brothers James II, Larry, and Timothy, and her sister Joanne. She is survived by her brother Thomas, along with many loved ones who will cherish her memory.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held in late July 2025 in Devils Lake, ND. Her warmth, strength, and love for the outdoors, animals, family, and creative spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.