Lenore Heinz Eavis

 

Lenore Margaret Heinz Eavis of 501 VES Road, Lynchburg, died at her daughter\"™s home Friday, January 31, 2014; both daughters were with her as she slipped out of her earthly body.

Born in Philadelphia, PA September 30, 1920, to Bertha and C. Harry Heinz, she entered a life centered in faith, family, and love of all creation.  She and her big brother enjoyed many summer months with her aunt and uncle at Ocean Grove, NJ, and her teen and college summers as \"recreation director: for her father\"™s camp in the Poconos- Camp Jo Ha He: joy, happiness, health.  Her active youth was a fitting preparation for her majoring in Phys Ed at Penn State, and later for her career teaching of 6th graders in Frederick County, VA.

 Her first traveling adventure was in 1944; with her mother she travelled by train to Pasadena, California to marry her Marine, Henry J. Eavis Jr., then in OCS.  Just weeks later, he was suddenly redeployed to the South Pacific, and she began her lifetime pattern of independence and strength.  After the war, the Eavises moved to Sodus, NY, then to Chicago, Ill, and finally to Winchester, VA.  His job with DuPont required his traveling every week while Lenore reared their three children.  Their lives were firmly grounded in faith, and fully immersed in the life of Grace Lutheran Church.  Lenore was also drawn to community involvement through AAUW, Civic League, Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, and the Godfrey Miller Home Board (\"Secretary Extraordinaire\"). Retired from teaching in 1985, and widowed in 1988, she continued to serve others through Faith in Action, Literacy Volunteers of America, the Free Medical Clinic, and the American Red Cross.

Her second traveling adventure was a surprise gift from her husband, a trip to Europe with two of her close friends.  This led to many such trips, far and near, with Hank or friends or family, through Elderhostel, time shares or family visits.  She maintained a wonder and love of the richness of the world and its people.  Always ready for adventure \"" \"Let\"™s get ON with it!\" \"" she celebrated her 80th birthday with all of her children and grandchildren hiking in the West VA Mountains, and whitewater rafting on the Cheat River.

Her last significant earthly journey began when she made the difficult decision to leave her home and church of 61 years to move to Lynchburg to be near a daughter.  Within a few months she had a full life in the community of Westminster Canterbury, continuing with AAUW, swimming, exercise classes, and, of course, bridge.  All the while she entered into, and was embraced by, her new church family at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

What a legacy she has left for all who knew her, especially her children: Barbara (Ted) Garman of Lynchburg; Kathie Craft of Mechanicsburg, PA; John Henry (Eileen) Eavis of Seward, AK.  This legacy is also passed on to her grandchildren: Micki Garmin (Tony) Marquardt, Austin, TX; John Robert (Christine) Garmin, Fredericksburg, VA; Sara Craft (Michael) Concini, Cary, NC; Alex Croft, Mechanicsburg, PA; Jacob (Nichole) Eavis, Flagstaff, AZ; Joshua Eavis, Grand Junction, CO; and niece Lisa Heinz, Coronado, CA, Daughter of Lenore\"™s very special big brother, VADM Luther C. \"Pickles\" Heinz, who preceded Lenore in death.  And there are six great-grandchildren who have been blessed to know and to play and swim with, and to pray with, their Gammy.

 A memorial service will take place Saturday, February 15, at 4:00 pm at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynchburg, with Pastor Dennis Roberts presiding.  Final interment of ashes will take place in June in the Memorial Garden of Grace Lutheran Church in Winchester.  Those wishing to may make donations in honor of Lenore to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Lynchburg; Grace Lutheran Church, Winchester, VA; The American Red Cross; or Westminster Canterbury Employee Education Assistance Fund.

Lord, now lettest thou the servant depart in peace, according to thy word.  Luke 2:29

 Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg (434-237-9424) is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent by visiting:  obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.

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