Lois (Heckler) Down

Lois Down, 94, of Drums, passed away Monday afternoon, January 13, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Hazleton, following a brief illness.

Born in Freeland, June 7, 1930, she was the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Bechtloff) Heckler and spent the past 59 years in Drums, after moving from Sharon.

Lois was a graduate of Freeland High School and Lankenau Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia.  She was employed as a Registered Nurse for St. Joseph's Hospital, Hazleton and was Night Supervisor at White Haven Center having retired after 19 years. Lois was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Drums and the Nurses Alumni Association.  In her free time Lois loved listening to music, doing crosswords, building puzzles, and watching General Hospital with an afternoon martini.

She was preceded in death, in addition to her parents, by her loving husband, William A. Down; a son, James Y. Down, II.; brothers, William and Luther Heckler; and sisters, Mary Karpowich and Betty Holtzclaw Beckel.

Surviving are a daughter, Nancy Down and her wife Tavia Rowan, Jamestown, NY; three grandchildren, Mary Ann Waldeck and her husband Josh, Drums; Crystal Kirby and her husband Michael, Norman, OK; and James Down and his partner Charles, Maryville, IL; three step-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Venitta and Robert Vance; five great-grandchildren, Paloma, Jade, Joshua, Ryley and Oliver; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Comfort Keepers Caregivers, the cardiology staff of Lehigh Valley Hospital - Hazleton, and Lois's longtime caretaker and niece Kathryn.  Many heartfelt thanks goes out to Diana, Dantia, Monica, BZ, Lisa, Ed, Skinny, Pauline, David & Lynne, and Chloe and Miss Lisa.  

As per Lois's wishes, there will be no public visitation.  Family and friends are invited to a graveside service on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10 AM in Drums Community Cemetery, 335 W. Butler Drive, Drums.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Lois to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 335 W. Butler Dr., Drums, PA 18222 or to the Hazleton Animal Shelter, 101 N. Popular St., Hazleton, PA 18201.  Online condolences can be entered, and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.

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