Obituary of Betty M. Heichel

Betty Marie Heichel, age 79, of Montour Falls, NY, passed away Thursday July 7th, 2022, at Schuyler Hospital. She was born to Joseph and Dorothy Schaffhouser on June 13, 1943, at Bellville, Illinois Army Air Force Hospital. Betty is survived by her loving husband Dale Heichel I, who she married February 10, 1962; sons, Dale II (Brook), John, Thomas (Tracy), and William; daughter, Denice Markley-Heichel; grandchildren, Timothy Markley, Justine, Abbie, Arden and Benjamin; great-grandchildren Evan and Easton; siblings, Bonnie (Andy) Tanner, Robert (Patty) Stephen, Arthur (Holly) Schaffhouser, and James Capogrossi; and many nieces and nephews. Special friends she would like to remember are Emmy Smith of Lake Placid, NY, Catherine Potter of Yulee, FL, and of course her little dog "Joey". Betty was predeceased by her parents, her brother Joseph F. Schaffhouser, with whom she had a special bond, her in-laws, uncles and aunt from New Jersey. She graduated from Odessa-Montour with the class of 1961, Corning Community College in 1983, Cornell University in 1986, and Marywood College in 1987. In her working years, she was a licensed master social worker, holding various positions in Chemung, Steuben, and Broome counties. After retiring, Betty had several enterprises including the Curiosity Shop in Ovid, NY, Flower and Gifts Shops in Trumansburg and Watkins Glen, NY, and Blossoms Bed and Breakfast in the Village of Watkins Glen. Throughout her life, Betty was involved in community service, especially through her church, Saint Benedict's Church in Odessa. She taught religious instruction and was a lifetime member of the Catholic Daughters of America and Catherine Mothers Club. Betty was also interested in politics and served on the Schuyler County Democratic Committee. She also ran for Schuyler County legislature, Town of Montour and Dix District 2. Betty's family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Ben Saks, the nurses, and all of those who cared for Betty throughout her illness and passing. Anyone wishing to remember Betty may contribute in her name to the Meals on Wheels Program at the Schuyler County Office for the Aging, 323 Owego St., Montour Falls, NY 14865. The family will hold a private service at Highland Cemetery, Odessa, NY.