Michelle Lynne Heh

Michelle Lynne Heh

Michelle Lynne Heh, 55, of Enola, PA, died peacefully in her home on Sunday, May 28, 2023, with her family and cherished dogs by her side after a brave two year battle with ovarian cancer. She is survived by her mother Judith “Judi” Heh of Camp Hill, PA, her younger sister Kelly Heh Ferguson and brother-in-law David Ferguson of Montclair, NJ, her niece Lucy Ferguson of Jersey City, NJ, her nephew Jack Ferguson of Brooklyn, NY, and her niece Tillie Ferguson of Montclair, NJ. Michelle is also survived by her Uncle Ray Fellabaum and his wife Higo Navoian Fellabaum of Sebastian, FL and her godmother Deb Gionta of Pittsburgh, PA. Beyond her immediate family, Michelle is survived by many cousins, extended family, and close friends.

Michelle was born on June 26, 1967, in Pittsburgh, PA. She held degrees from Messiah College and The Pennsylvania State University, achieving a Master’s Degree in Adult Education. Fluent in English and Spanish, she worked as an ESL teacher for the Cumberland Valley School District for nearly 20 years, several of those years as Department Chair. Michelle also served as an adjunct instructor for several local colleges and universities, and was an ESL professional development trainer.  Prior to teaching at Cumberland Valley, Michelle was an ESL teacher in Las Vegas, NV and a Management Analyst for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

Michelle was known for being a kind, generous, and loyal friend. She had a dramatic impact on so many lives and was often described as a “bright light” and “gentle soul.” A proud introvert, Michelle evolved into a tireless fighter, advocate and champion for women’s, civil, LGBTQ, and voting rights. She was a passionate supporter of immigrants, marginalized and disenfranchised communities. Michelle was a beloved mentor and devoted friend to the many colleagues, students and families that she met through her work as an ESL teacher and adult education instructor.

Michelle loved Jeopardy, Heinz Dill Pickles, sunny destinations, floating in warm water, novels, poetry, Life is Good t-shirts, technology gadgets, iPhone games, amusement parks, movies (Mama Mia most of all), and correcting grammar errors. She delighted in giving exorbitant and over the top gifts -  especially to her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed running, hiking, biking, and traveling to visit family and friends in warm locations. Michelle also loved jokes, memes, and quotes which she shared widely on Facebook and social media. Her political views were not a secret.

A passionate dog owner, she loved nothing more fiercely than her rescue dogs. Before giving a home (along with every treat, ball and toy on the east coast) to her girls, the energetic, ball-loving Paisley and the gentle Cassia, she was a devoted dog mom to tenacious Jake, fat and loving Hazel, and beautiful “nemesis to all rabbits” Josie. In her final moments, Michelle smiled repeatedly. We are confident that Jake, Hazel and Josie spotted her and that they walked across the rainbow bridge together. We imagine that they are with her now, tails wagging with bliss at the reunion.

Thomas Campbell said, “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” Michelle lives on then, in the countless joyful memories and full hearts of her treasured family and friends.

An open house Celebration of Michelle’s Life is planned for Saturday, July 8th at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg from 1-4 p.m. with a celebration of life service begining at 2:30. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made in Michelle’s honor to the National Humane Society, Speranza Animal Rescue, or the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Links to donate can be found below.