Cecelia Kay (Allenby) Heffernan

Cecelia Kay Heffernan passed away on October 19, 2023 in Boscobel, WI. Kay was born on
October 17, 1949 to Lillian and Paul Allenby in Wheeling, West Virginia. Her father Paul was in
the military and Kay lived abroad as a young child. She had a brother and best friend, Paulie,
who passed away when he was 12 years old. After that Kay found the love of her life in Larry
Heffernan at the age of 14. This started their lifelong journey as they were married when she
was just 14 and he was 16 on April 19, 1964 in Mexico.
They moved to Mountain Home Texas where they lived with Larry’s parents. Kay loved to
spend time on the ranch with Larry’s family. In 1966 Kay and Larry started their family with
Dawn, then in 1968, along came Shelly and finally 1973 along came Toni. As a military family,
Kay moved around with Larry and the girls. In 1977 Kay and Larry adopted Hector Morales
Heffernan. In 1979 they settled in Waukon, Iowa.
Kay enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, crafting and spending time with her family. Kay and
Larry lived most of their life in Waukon, Iowa where they owned and operated Computer Repair
Plus. Kay ran a web design business until her retirement. Kay, or Cookie as she was known to
her family and friends, had a huge heart and would take in anyone and treat them like family.
She was mother to many of her daughter's friends. Kay never judged anyone and showed
kindness to all. She also enjoyed spending time with her best friend and aunt Jenny Fish.
Kay was a wonderful cook and baker and many good memories of coming home to smell
homemade bread in the oven or any number of dishes made out of her garden. She loved to
stand in the rain and wash her hair and could seldom be found wearing shoes. She loved
animals and they seemed to naturally gravitate to her.
Her snarky wit and her strong will helped her to raise her family and to pass on her independent
spirit and her give ‘em hell attitude to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She
has left a legacy of kindness and taking care of each other that her family will continue to carry
on.
She is survived by her husband Larry Heffernan of Boscobel, WI, daughters Dawn (Bob)
Thorsten Waukon, IA, Michelle (Tim) Schwartzhoff Dorchester, IA, Toni (Mat) Young Boscobel
WI and son Hector Heffernan TX. Her grandchildren; Bret (Jackie) Heffernan, Shane (Mariah)
Thorsten, Summer (Tyler) McLaughlin, Carson (Alex) Schwartzhoff, Samantha Brown, Conner
Schwartzhoff, Alison Brown, Alexis Young. Great grandchildren; Christian, Isabella, Odessa
Heffernan, and Soren, Sutton and Graham Thorsten.
Kay is preceded in death by her mother and step-father Lillian and Cecil Smith, her father, Paul
Allenby, her brother Paulie Allenby, her mother and father-in-law, Jack and Lorena Heffernan,
her brothers-in-law, Jackie and Troy Heffernan.
There will be no services for Kay at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Online Condolences can be sent to www.kendallfuneralservice.com

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