Alumni News
In Memory of
Janet Pease Heffner
H ’44
The Seven Hills community was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Janet Pease Heffner (H ’44) on December 29, 2011. A lifelong Cincinnati resident, she will be missed by her husband of 63 years, William Bennett Heffner, Sr., her three children, Nancy Heffner Donovan, William Bennett Heffner, Jr., Susan Heffner Monnier (Basel), sons-in-law Stephen Patrick Donovan, Jr. and Charles Edward Monnier, daughter-in-law Laurie Lanz Heffner, grandchildren, Katherine Pease Donovan (’06) (Boston), George Bennett Heffner, Philippe Edward Monnier and Christophe Allan Monnier and her large and loving Pease family. “Mom was very grateful for the nurturing foundation Hillsdale provided, equipping her for life and a successful graduation from the University of Michigan in 1948. Her wonderful Hillsdale friends, Jane Eha Sikes Hageman and Carol Straehley Schoenheit, remained close through all these years. The Seven Hills reunions were unique occasions to reminisce and celebrate the specialness of this wonderful institution. Mom always said Hillsdale made the difference in her life,” said Nancy. Janet’s Seven Hills legacy continued through her daughter Nancy (Secretary, Board of Trustees, 1998-2007, and Co-Chair, The One and All Campaign) and granddaughter Katie (’06). In 2001, Janet’s family made a gift to fund the Janet Pease Heffner Alumni Conference Room in support of the construction of the new Upper School building. Additionally that year, Nancy and son-in-law, Steve, along with their family, were instrumental in establishing The Donovan Arts Center, the school’s fine arts building. At the Memorial Service in Spring Grove’s Norman Chapel, her family and friends gathered to remember Janet.
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“When you have used adjectives and phrases to describe our Mother, we’ve heard you say: ‘loyal,’ ‘gracious,’ ‘gentle,’ ‘tolerant,’ ‘brave,’ ‘very kind,’ ‘positive,’ ‘a bright light.’ We simply would say, ‘a Beautiful Mother, a Lady.’ In her final days she told us that she had the most wonderful life – how could it have been better? That she wasn’t afraid of dying. Like every other time in her life, she approached this phase with resolve, inner strength and calm. Mom showed us how to live – how to speak to others, how to listen, how to treat others. She showed us the way and we will miss her every day. So special, so loved, so remembered. We will hold you in our hearts, now and forever. Mom, you did a beautiful job.”
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As granddaughter Katie said at Janet’s service, “Despite her lengthy medical records, she left this world without a single gripe or complaint. She awoke each morning, thankful for the day, for her family and for all her blessings. I will always remember her as the woman who never had anything wrong with her. And, I will forever keep with me her enduring message of optimism and positivity.” Friends and family would all agree. Janet had many interests and affiliations with which she shared her energy and enthusiasm, including the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming, Kappa Kappa Gamma, The Junior League of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Woman’s Club, Wyoming Golf Club, The Ohio Society, Children’s Hospital Thrift Shop, Salvation Army Camp Swoneky and Christmas Caravan. The Seven Hills community will miss our friend Janet Pease Heffner. To her family we send our heartfelt condolences.