Mary Ellen (Plitnick) Heinzel

Mary Ellen Heinzel, of Conyngham, passed away unexpectedly early Tuesday morning at
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton Campus.

Born and raised in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Anthony G. and Molly (O’Donnell)
Plitnick.

Mary Ellen attended St. Gabriel’s Elementary School and was a 1978 graduate of Bishop Hafey
High School. She worked in the food industry for many years, beginning at Hazle Park and later
as manager of the hot deli at Boyer’s Food Market, before retiring from Perkins Restaurant.

A lifelong member of St. Pius X of Pietrelcina Parish, Church of St. Gabriel, Hazleton, Mary
Ellen was also a longtime member of the Pulaski Club and the Slavonic Club, both in Hazleton.

She had many interests and talents, including painting ceramics, gardening, collecting Coca-Cola
memorabilia, and decorating her home for every holiday. In recent years, she especially enjoyed
attending classic rock concerts.

In 2021, Mary Ellen moved to Conyngham to live with her son Patrick. She took great pride in
the front porch of his home, where she created a beautiful display of spring and summer
flowers—her lush Boston ferns were the envy of the neighborhood. She loved spending time
there, visiting with neighbors, and finding peace and joy in her surroundings.

Above all, Mary Ellen cherished her role as a mother and grandmother. Known affectionately as
“Nonna” and, to her youngest granddaughter, “Mee Maw,” she was endlessly proud of her
children and grandchildren, who loved her dearly in return.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas F. Heinzel who
passed unexpectedly in 2007, and her daughter-in-law, Stacy Heinzel.

Surviving are her devoted children: Thomas Heinzel of Hollywood, PA; Ricky Figueiredo and
his wife Tenya of Drums; Patrick Heinzel, with whom she resided, of Conyngham; Daniel
Heinzel and his wife Jessica of Conyngham; and Dawn Memis and her husband Louis of Church
Hill, Tennessee; as well as her sister, Kathleen Reinmiller of Hazleton.

Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren: Tommy, Kaylee, Sebastian, Gabriella, Kenny,
Annelise, Deomar, Samari, Sabrina, Julianna, Sadie, Lexi, and Michael; along with many nieces,
nephews, and countless dear friends.

A prayer service will be held Sunday evening at 6:00 PM at the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral
Home, 532 N. Vine Street, Hazleton. Deacon Robert Roman will officiate.

Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 4:00 PM until the time of
service at 6:00 PM.

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