Lois M. Heirman
Lois M. Heirman, age 69, died Thursday, January 15, 2009 after complications of cancer. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Don, whom she married while he attended graduate school at Purdue University. Her parents -- Mary Alice (Cooper) and George Carter Smith -- predeceased her in 1992 and 1982, respectively. She was a communicant of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Lincroft, NJ for over 40 years, at times helping in transporting seniors to doctor's visits, working at the church carnival, and counting collections after Sunday mass.
She was originally from Frankfort, IN area being born in Tipton. She is survived by a brother, Terry (Cherie) Smith of Frankfort and three nephews, Jeff (Kristi) Smith of Burlington, Greg (Wendy) Smith of Frankfort and Brian Smith of Carmel. She graduated from Frankfort High School in 1957 and worked at Purdue University as a secretary in a men's residence hall front office between 1958 and 1963. It was there that she met Don whom she married on campus in 1963.
Her professional career was with Bell Telephone Labs (Lucent Technologies and now Alcatel Lucent) in both Whippany and later Holmdel, NJ. Her most recent assignment was as an administrative assistant to a Bell Labs Vice President working on financial and employee performance matters. She retired in 1994 to care for her mother and in 1997 became the secretary/treasurer of Don Heirman Consultants, a home base consulting company that her husband started upon his retirement from Bell Telephone Labs.
She had an extraordinary opportunity to see much of the major cities in the world as she traveled extensively with her husband whose work took him worldwide. Her favorite place was Hawaii followed by Australia. She was a wonderful person with a kind heart that lit up the room when she entered with her smile. All those that met her were impressed with her presence and optimism, even through the days of her pain up to the end. She will be missed by all that knew her and especially her husband.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 22, 2009 from 4-7 p.m. with a scripture service starting at 4 p.m. at Goodwin Funeral Home, Frankfort, IN. A funeral mass will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2009 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Frankfort. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Arthritis Foundation of New Jersey, 200 Middlesex Turnpike, Iselin, NJ 08830-2033.
