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Nona E. (Keech) Heilmeier of Hagerstown, Maryland Nona Elaine (Keech) Heilmeier, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away Sunday morning, November 13, 2022, at the age of 86. Born October 4, 1936 in Aquasco, Maryland, she was the daughter of Ruth (Sellner) Keech and Leigh Keech. Nona was the youngest of nine children. She is survived by her children, Donald Simmons and his wife Kathleen of Clear Spring, Maryland, David Heilmeier and his wife Joanne of Lusby, Maryland, and Jeffrey Heilmeier of King George, Virginia (DOD 11/15/22); five grandchildren, Megan, Andrew and partner Casey, Devin, Jeremy, and Madison; three great-grandchildren, Delaney, Sawyer, and Gunner; and one former daughter-in-law, Stacy (Wood) Heilmeier. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. Nona was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth (Sellner) Keech and Leigh Keech; sisters, Virginia, June, and Gladys; and her brothers, Carl, Ricky (Horace), Harry, and Roland Keech and Dickie Sellner. She was a graduate of Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine, Maryland. After graduating, she went on to work temporarily as a telephone operator before she started her lifelong career working for the Federal Communications Commission, where she earned the love, respect, and admiration of many of her coworkers. After retiring, she immediately went to “work” babysitting her Southern Maryland grandchildren. She enjoyed and cherished her time with them especially since, when she was a young mother, she was unable to stay home with her boys. From childhood until death, Nona adored all animals. She had several dogs as pets but her love of cats ultimately led to caring for her precious “Boots,” “Cali,” and “Maxi.” Nona was an avid gardener who loved to spend time in her yard planting and caring for a multitude of plants and flowers. She also had many bird feeders placed around the gardens and enjoyed bird watching and learning to identify her birds. Another of her favorite past times was shopping. Be it at the department store, a flea market, or a craft show, Nona was excited to be there. She spent her last six months at Somerford House and Place in Hagerstown, Maryland. The family wishes to extend our gratitude to the many caregivers there who helped her through good times and bad times and showed their love and compassion daily! Our family appreciates you! A Visitation will take place on Monday, November 21, 2022 from 11:00am until time of Funeral Service at 1:00pm at Raymond Funeral Chapel, 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Waldorf, Maryland. If desired, donations in Nona’s memory may be made to the Tri-County Animal Shelter (TCAS), 6707 Animal Shelter Road, Hughesville, Maryland 20637.

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Nona Elaine Heilmeier

October 4, 1936 - November 13, 2022