Barbara (Heavey) Schanne

Barbara (Heavey) Schanne, 75, of Newtown Square, PA passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on November 1, 2020.

Born on April 14, 1945 in Norfolk, VA, she was the oldest of William and Claire Heavey’s five children. Barbara grew up in Havertown, was a member of St. Dorothy’s Parish and graduated from Archbishop Prendergast High School in 1963.  She then worked at Atlantic Refining where she held several positions, including executive secretary in public relations.  In 1974, Barbara married her St. Dot’s classmate, Mike Schanne, who became her husband of 46 years.

Barbara was a kind, gentle woman who easily made and kept friends everywhere she and Mike lived – Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut and ultimately back home to Pennsylvania in 1984.  She knew how to make people feel welcome and comfortable. This was certainly the case with her co-workers at TV Guide, with whom she enjoyed happy hour meet-ups well after retirement.  

A woman of strong faith, Barbara was a eucharistic minister and a devoted mother to her children, Kathleen, Michael, Jr., and William. She loved attending and watching sporting events, particularly those where Kathleen and Michael, Jr. competed.  She loved the ocean, walking the boards down the shore, and enjoyed beach time with her family. Barbara was a wonderful sister, a caring aunt, and a beloved mom-mom to two granddaughters who will miss her hugs and watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune while enjoying dessert together.  

Barbara is survived by her husband, Michael T. Schanne, daughter Kathleen Wiler (John) and two granddaughters.  She is predeceased by her sons, Michael T. Schanne, Jr., and William F. Schanne.  She is also survived by her siblings Claire H. Fricko (Michael) and Mary Anne C. Hughes (Robert). She is predeceased by her sister Kathleen H. Stromme and brother William J. Heavey Jr. 

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation Monday, November 23, 2020 9:30am at St. John Neumann Parish, 380 Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr PA 19010 and to her Funeral Mass 11:00am in the Church. Int. private. The Funeral Mass will also be livestreamed: https://sjnparish.org/celebrate/livestream/ 

Due to COVID, masks are required and social distancing is to be practiced in the Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. Dorothy Parish School Fund, https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E82251&id=2

St. Dorothy Parish

4910 Township Line Road

Drexel Hill, PA 19026

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