Judith Lynn Heitz

Judith Lynn Heitz, age 64, of Bel Air, MD, died on December 16, 2008 at her home in Bel Air, MD. Born in Wilmington, DE, she was the daughter of Dorothy Elizabeth Starr Mearns of Lancaster, PA and the late John Robert Mearns. Judith was a loving and dedicated elementary school teacher who taught first through third grades at William Paca, Churchville, Hickory, and Homestead Wakefield Elementary Schools. She was a member of Chirst Our King Presbyterian Chuch in Bel Air, Maryland and an associate member of the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Judith shared her passion for plants and flowers with her many friends at The Garden Club of Stone Harbor. She participated in many other activities including the Ladies Auxilllary Club, Women's Ministries, and Book Club of Stone Harbor. Known as The Star Polisher, Judith was a loving, nurturing, genuine, and compassionate wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and teacher who shared her child like joy with the world.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Michael W. Heitz of Bel Air, MD; son, Jonathon Mearns Heitz and wife, Brande Leigh; daughter, Heather Sabra Balberde and husband, Matthew John; sister, Margaret Kohne; and grandchildren, Madison Caileigh Heitz, Meagan Ashleigh Heitz, Mason Lawler Heitz, Alexandra Sabra Balberde, and Elizabeth Grace Balberde. In addition to her father, she was predeceased by a sister, Carol Ann O'Hara.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309 or to Johns Hopkins Children Center Development Office, Department of Oncology, 111 Market Street, Suite 901, Baltimore, MD 21202.