Alice Heefner

Alice Rose (Hirschman) Heefner, 80, widow of Lowell Heefner, passed away Friday, January 13, 2023 at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. Born October 17, 1942 in Columbus, OH she was the daughter of the late Harold and Clara (Albert) Hirschman. Alice and her family moved to Renovo PA her junior year of high school, where she later graduated from St Joseph High School in Natrona Heights. From there she went to college at Penn State University to pursue a degree in teaching.

Alice Rose graduated Penn State with a degree in Art Education, which she later worked up to a Master’s level. She began her teaching career at Chambersburg High School, where she met fellow educator and future husband Lowell Heefner. Alice paused her teaching career to start a family, and then went back to full time as the Art teacher of Scotland School for Veterans Children’s. Alice cared immensely for her students, and stayed in touch with many of the students, faculty, and Veteran Administration personnel after her retirement from Scotland School.

Alice was an avid reader and culinary connoisseur, specializing in Hungarian recipes and many other styles that intrigued her. She volunteered when time permitted with the Penn State Alumni group, and she assisted many others in a variety of projects and efforts. She was a source of support and caring for many people, and was a respected figure in her community. She greatly enjoyed her home in the mountains outside of Caledonia, where she found peace and comfort.

She is survived by her two sons, Benjamin Heefner of Shippensburg, and Albert Heefner of Lancaster, and her sister Sharon Donfrio and her sister’s husband Larry Donfrio, of Jacksonville Florida.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM, Friday, January 20, 2023 in Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 320 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, PA 17201 with Rev. Fr. Allan Wolfe as the celebrant. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow in Quincy Cemetery, Quincy, PA. Arrangements are by Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Chambersburg.

Those wishing to send flowers may direct them to Corpus Christi for the service. Contributions in her name to any charity that encourages art appreciation or life enrichment and enablement, is also much appreciated. She adored her cats from the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, so donations to that fine organization are also an excellent consideration. Online condolences may be expressed at geiselfuneralhome.com.