Enid Thurston Hecker

Enid Thurston Frank Hecker died on June 24, 2014 at Mesilla Valley La Posada Hospice in Las Cruces, NM after a brief illness. She was born June 22, 1922, and had just celebrated her 92nd birthday. She was born in New York City to Oliver C. Frank and Edna Thurston Frank, but home was in Great Neck, Long Island. She was an only child and was cherished by her parents, her many aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. During high school she worked in an antique shop and then secretarial work for the family business, and later in the public library. Growing up in the depression she learned to utilize her many talents in hand crafting. During WWII Enid enlisted as a Navy Wave where she was stationed in Brooklyn, NY. She worked nights on payroll for the crews for 15 months. Enid met the love of her life and partner, Lee Hecker, during this time when he was in the Coast Guard. They had both gone to a beer garden with friends where Lee introduced himself and took an immediate interest in Enid. They were married 3 months later in military uniforms with many military friends in attendance. Their cake was made from donated sugar rations, as during the war sugar was in short supply. After the birth of their first son she left the Navy and returned to the family home in Great Neck where their next three children were born. They then moved to Lee's home state of Michigan. In 1954 Lee was hired on at WSMR. They drove to Las Cruces, Enid in a 1952 Pontiac woody station wagon with five kids under the age of eight. Lee followed in a 1946 Ford flat head truck with all of their belongings. Lee and Enid were together for 63 years, calling Las Cruces home and thrived on being amazing parents, grandparents, and active community members. She was raised in the Episcopal church in NY and remained an active member at St. Andrews in Las Cruces, being one of the longest members at the church at the time of her death. While Enid refused to sing in elementary school, her musically inclined family's influence got her singing for several years in the church choir. She was a regular on the altar guild for many years, and with Lee was a long time volunteer at the soup kitchen and had short periods of helping in the nursery and at LOGOs. She also was involved in the Dona Ana Extension Club and Red Hot Stitchers of the American Needle point Guild and won many awards for her beautiful work, which was frequently seen hanging in public places for all to enjoy. She was a very talented artist, including sewing, needle work, painting, and ceramics. Being afflicted with Macular Degeneration decreased and eventually stopped her ability to work with her hands, but for several years she was a generous contributor to research for this organization as well as for cancer, and other services related to children. She is survived by daughters, Janice L. Neaves (Jack, deceased) Deborah A. Hecker (Jim Kelly), Laurie J. Hecker (Brian Meador) sons, Peter F. Hecker (Rachel Nevarez), Thomas J. Hecker (Susan Fields),Timothy A. Hecker (Robin Carlson). Her Grand Children Chris Miller, Sherry (Kevin) Chesnut, Sandy (William) Harrell, Allie (Greg) Sakellakos, Joey Hecker, Jennifer (Roger) Prescott, & Kari (Brian) Hecker, Vince (Erika), Nick, & Bob Kelly, Samantha & Dave Hecker, Hallie & Taylor Meador, and eight great grand children. She is preceded in death by her husband Leland George Hecker, their first son Leland G. Jr. (Skip) (Ginny Berger), and her parents Edna and Ollie. She is now at peace. Her work is done on this earth, and she is again with her life partner, her son, and her many loved ones who passed before her. She has left a legacy in her spiritual giving, caring, her friends and especially her family. She was loved by many and will be missed, and will be in our hearts, our souls. We love you dearly mom. Services will be held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church on Monday, June 30 at 10:00 am with Father Scott Ruthven officiating. Her final resting place will be at the church columbarium with her husband Lee.The family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful and caring staff at La Posada Hospice who assisted Enid in her final days. We request that in lieu of flowers donations be directed to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 Montana Ave, Las Cruces, NM, 88005. PDF Printable Version