Jean Marie Heffern

In Loving Memory: Jean Marie Heffern

1984 – 2020

Heffern, Jean Marie, 36, of Largo, Florida, passed away suddenly at home on July 22, 2020.

She is survived by her parents, Jack and Laurie Heffern, as well as numerous cousins, uncles,

aunts, and friends, all of whom she loved. She was an incredibly gifted, brilliantly funny,

beautiful woman, and leaves an unforgettable legacy with all who knew and loved her.

Jean was born on January 10, 1984, and grew up in Redington Beach, Florida. Laughter was

the soundtrack of her life, and carefully-timed sarcasm was the best language. A mermaid at

heart, floating in the Gulf refreshed her soul, as did any time she could spend with a good sci-fi

book. Jean had a wonderfully independent spirit.

She also had a passion for travel, whether that was across the city, across Florida for a road

trip, across the country from Maine to Las Vegas, over an ocean to Europe, or across the world

to Australia.

A proud member of Mensa International, Jean had a soaring intellect, quick and intuitive mind,

and sharp wit. By sixth grade she’d been admitted to the Center for Gifted Studies, and she

became a published author at the young age of 12. In high school, she gained many college

credits before she’d even graduated.

Jean was also gifted creatively in everything from art to theater, and especially writing and

storytelling. She was a graduate of the Pinellas County Center for the Arts’ (PCCA) performance

theater program at Gibbs High School, where her excellence in acting, stage makeup, directing,

dialect, and more, propelled her to the top of any endeavor she pursued. Jean was awarded a

100% Bright Futures Scholarship to attend the University of Central Florida.

She also loved working with children, and spent a great deal of time in positions where she

helped them learn and grow. Jean volunteered with children and adults affected by genetic

disorders and learning disabilities, and later she became a caretaker to family members in need.

Like her parents, she was also a natural in the kitchen and with people. While working in

restaurants throughout Pinellas, she made friendships that she truly cherished.

Jean’s adventures continued for 36 beautiful years, always accented with salty breezes, good

food, daiquiris, and frangipani. Her story is punctuated with deep belly laughs, amazing stories,

fake accents, culinary masterpieces, good impressions, colorful sarongs, sundresses, and

ALWAYS… good lipstick.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Barbara Hale and Lou Claibeaux, and by her

beloved family poodles, Napoleon and Jackson.

A celebration of her life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, she would have appreciated

donations in her name to World Central Kitchen (https://wck.org).


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