Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Heffernan

Feb 27, 1957-May 8, 2013 Mary Elizabeth Heffernan (Kovach), 56, of Orlando, was at home with her loving family when she went peacefully to Heaven on May 8th, 2013 after a courageous 5 year battle with cancer. She was the daughter of Betty L. Kovach of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and the late Steve P. Kovach. Mary was born in 1957 in Akron, OH and graduated from Copley High School in 1975 then attended the University of Akron. She worked at Babcock & Wilcox Co. in Barberton, OH where she met and later married John Heffernan in 1979. They lived in Pittsburgh, PA for almost 5 years before leaving many friends and relocating to Orlando in 1983. In Orlando, Mary was a fitness instructor before becoming a regular guest teacher at Conway Middle School. She worked with the YMCA in ClubFYT, the after school program, and as a yoga instructor. She was a volunteer Scout leader and was always an encouraging voice. She was passionate about making a difference in the lives of others but was most aware of the difference others made in her own life. Mary was an active member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church. She was a Eucharistic Minister and walked in hand with her Lord. She loved to read, cook, practice yoga, shop, dance, and travel. After her cancer diagnosis in 2008, she logged nearly 10,000 miles on a motorcycle with her husband and good friends, with separate group rides to New England, Nova Scotia, Yellowstone, and The Grand Canyon as a passenger. Multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries were followed by amazing destinations where she often cried in gratitude for the opportunity to intimately witness the beauty of nature with the wind in her face. Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 33 years, John Heffernan and three children: Megan Heffernan of Viera, FL; Patrick Heffernan and David Heffernan, both of Orlando, FL; her mother, Betty Kovach; and siblings Judy Kovach of Cuyahoga Falls, OH; Barbara Berkowitz (Jay) of Sedona, AZ; and Michael Kovach (Dawn) of Greenville, SC. She was preceded in death by her cherished father, Steve Kovach, and brother John Kovach. In her final years, she was grateful for the support of family and friends, which along with strong faith and the extraordinary care received at MD Anderson allowed her to truly enjoy her shortened time. She believed a cancer diagnosis was either a reason to live or a reason to die. She chose to make the very best of her condition and enjoyed the precious gift of sharing quality time with others. In lieu of flowers, Mary requested that donations be made to Teen Challenge of Florida. 3706 S Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32773. Motorcycle escort to the Church will leave the funeral home at 5pm Monday, May 13. Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm Monday, May 13 at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 4545 Anderson Rd. Orlando, FL 32812. Requiem Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, May 14 at Blessed Trinity with reception following. Interment will be private. A Community Funeral Home, Orlando, is handling arrangements.

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Heffernan

February 27, 1957 - May 8, 2013