Obituary of Susan Sillence Heeks

Susan Sillence Heeks slipped peacefully into everlasting life on April 19, 2026 surrounded and supported by family and friends. Susan was born on May 9, 1938, the daughter of Henry and Mae Sillence. She was the youngest of her family, which included her siblings Mary and Tom. She was a country girl, growing up in the Finger Lakes town of Owasco. Sue’s Mother passed away when Sue was 12 years old. Her family then grew with the addition of her Stepmother, Anna and her step siblings Lydia and Teddy. Sue and her family moved to Rochester, NY after her graduation from Auburn High School. Sue met her soul mate and husband-to-be George Heeks on a blind date. She and George married in 1960 and embarked on a lifetime of adventure over the next 62 years. Their greatest joy, beyond the deep and enduring love they shared, was raising their five children, who were a source of pride (and occasional irritation).  

Sue was an active member of her faith communities: Holy Cross, Christ the King, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help where she assisted Father Neil Miller as church secretary. She and George enjoyed winters in Myrtle Beach during their retirement. Sue loved games, danced the polka, wrote poetry and sewed. Sue’s grandchildren will remember her inexhaustible ear for listening, her fierce unconditional love, her hugs and her Christmas Eve table of goodies. 

Sue was predeceased by her husband George, her parents and stepmother, her parents-in law Marie and John Heeks, her siblings, Mary, Tom, Ellen, Lydia and Teddy, infant grandchildren, extended family members and friends.

She is survived by her children: Lisa (Jim) McGary, George (Kathleen) Heeks, Mary (Sven) Vetter, John Henry (Mary Frances) Heeks, Jennifer (Martin) Jarosick; grandchildren: Steven, Jeffrey (Cassandra), Shane, Jimmy McGary; Brittany (Mete) Turhan, Katherine (Josh) Schmidt, Kristin Heeks; Sarah (Irwin) Newsome, Jessica (Tim) Higgins, Emily (Joe Grant) and Joshua Vetter; Betsy, Trey, Susie and Georgi Jarosick; beloved great grandchildren (ten, with two on the way), cherished sisters-in-law Brenda Heeks and Marilyn Sillence;  devoted nieces and nephews, a multitude of friends especially Sister Livia Ann Ruocco and Barb Fornalik; and her faithful and spoiled doggy Charlie. 

To know Sue was to love Sue. Her gentle spirit, steady faith and gracious heart will remain a guiding light for all those who knew her. She was a role model for her children. She assured her family and friends that she was ready to join her heavenly family and reminded all that God is good and ever present. Her legacy of love, faith and grace will inspire generations to come and she will be deeply missed. 
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the St. Anne’s Community at Cherry Ridge and Portland Avenue for their visits, their hugs, and their overall exceptional care. 

Sue’s children will receive family and friends at Paul Harris Funeral Home on Thursday, April 23rd from 4:00-7:00pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Kateri Church at Christ the King, Friday, April 24th  at 10:00am. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. 
The family invites all who attend to honor Sue by wearing her favorite color, yellow. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or UofR Parkinson's Disease Research (please make sure to include the allocation code A03934)