Dorathy Emma (Husmann) Heffernan of Valparaiso, IN died on September 27, 2013.  She is survived by her children, James R. Heffernan, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, Delores J. Eagan of Valparaiso, IN, and David J. (Peggy) Heffernan of Woodbridge, VA.  Dorathy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.  She will always be remembered for her strength, pride in her family, and loving generosity.  Dorathy was matriarch of the family, leading by example to accept life’s challenges, to work hard, to have faith, and to enjoy the good things in life wherever they happen. 

Dorathy was born on August 1, 1920 in Manchester, IA, the daughter of Herman and Emma (Zumbach) Husmann.  She grew up on a family farm, surrounded by five brothers and a large extended family, and attended a one-room schoolhouse until their family moved to Chicago in 1933.  She graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1936.  Dorathy married James R. Heffernan on July 20, 1942 in Chicago, IL.  They moved with their three children to Indiana in 1956.  She worked for 29 years in the Public & Alumni Affairs Office of Valparaiso University and was presented an honorary degree at her retirement in June, 1986.  She shared with her family her love of cooking and baking, playing games, reading, and sewing. 

Services for Dorathy include visitation at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd, Valparaiso, IN on Tuesday, October 1 from 4 to 8 pm.  Her funeral will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1700 Monticello Park Drive, Valparaiso, IN on Wednesday, October 2 at 1 pm, preceded by one hour of visitation.  In lieu of flowers, Dorathy would have been delighted for you to give memorial donations to VNA Hospice, Valparaiso University, Immanuel Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice. 

In addition to her children, Dorathy is survived by her grandchildren, Kathie (Phil) DeRuiter of Three Oaks, MI, Sherie (Daniel) Breitenbach of Valparaiso, IN, Neal (Debbie) Heffernan of Milford, OH, , Julie (Aaron) Johnson of Woodbridge, VA, Kathleen (David) Axtell of Minneapolis, MN, Jamie (Robert) Childers of Tampa, FL, and Nathan Eagan of Indianapolis, IN.  She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  Dorathy is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her five brothers, Edwin Husmann, Dean Husmann, Kenneth Husmann, Lyle Husmann, and Dale Husmann, and her son-in-law, Stanley Eagan.