Virginia May Heil

Virginia May Heil, 97, of the Mennonite Home, 1520 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster formerly of Heritage Avenue died peacefully Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at the Mennonite Home where she resided since 2008. Born in Reading, PA she was the daughter of the late Lewis and Elsie Steffe Gaul and the wife of the late Rev. David P. Heil who died on December 4, 2012 and with whom she celebrated 67 years of marriage. Virginia was a graduate of Reading High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Albright College. Following graduation Virginia taught Home Economics at the Carlisle High School and following her return to Reading briefly taught Home Economics at Northwest Junior High School. After marriage, Mrs. Heil was active with her husband in Christian Ministry in Reading, Allentown, York and at Grace Evangelical Congregational Church in Lancaster as a full-time pastor’s wife and mother. She was a member of the Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, Lancaster, a former member of the WCTU (Women’s Christian Temperance Union), at Grace Church Mrs. Heil was an active choir member for many years, a member of Ladies Aid Society and was former president of the Missionary Society and Sunday School Class. She enjoyed music, piano playing, singing duets and serving in Christian Ministry along with her husband. She is survived by two sons; Paul S. husband of Shelia Heil of Lancaster, PA, John T. husband of Susan Heil of Strasburg, PA, four grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Virginia’s Life Celebration Funeral Service on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at The Groffs Family Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 528 West Orange Street (corner of W. Orange and Pine Sts.) Lancaster, PA, with the Rev. H. Robert Samuels officiating. The family will receive friends at The Groffs on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in Conestoga Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in Virginia’s Memory to the Mennonite Home, Benevolent Fund, 1520 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.