June 27, 1943 – January 7, 2019
Carolyn Nell Hagerty Heier, child of God, and formerly of New Castle and Noblesville, died peacefully in Orlando, Fla., on January 7, 2019. She was born to Pauline Eza Loveday Hagerty and Lloyd Eldon Hagerty in Alcoa, Tenn., on June 27, 1943.
Carolyn graduated from New Castle High School (Class of 1961) in New Castle, Ind., and received Bachelor of Science, Vocational Director Certificate, Master of Arts in Education and Education Specialist in Administration degrees from Ball State University and attained Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) status. She retired after 32 years of educational service in Indiana, holding positions as business education teacher at New Castle High School, Asst. Vocational Director at Connersville Area Vocational School, and J. Everett Light Career Center, Indianapolis; and Director of Educational Services at the Indiana Department of Correction. She was the recipient of the prestigious Indiana Governor’s Sagamore of the Wabash Award, which distinguishes Humanity in Living, Loyalty in Friendship, Wisdom in Council, and Inspiration in Leadership and is the highest civilian award bestowed in the state.
With husband Jeff, Carolyn retired in 1993 to Naples, Fla., Foxfire Golf & Country Club, where she enjoyed traveling and cruising, reading, piano, watercolor painting, French wine, gourmet cooking and was passionate about genealogy. She was an active member of the Big Cypress Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and served in several leadership capacities. She was a member of the Genealogical Society of Collier County. Carolyn was confirmed at age 11 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Castle and missed only one Christmas Eve service since Confirmation. She was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and often served as Assisting Minister and Acolyte; she was a member of the choir. She was a member of the Naples Botanical Garden. She was passionate about orchids, bluebirds, literacy and women’s rights. To all who knew Carolyn, she exemplified kindness, grace, compassion, caring and made a positive impact on everyone she touched.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. Jeffrey Lee Heier; daughter and son-in-law, Natalie Dee Todd Lackner and Matthew Henry Lackner, Fishers; grandchildren, Mallory Elizabeth Lackner and Aaron Todd Lackner; step-children, Amy Jo (Ken) Harris, Noblesville; and Todd Matthew Heier, Fishers; eight step-grandchildren, Jerilyn Jane Heier, Justin Walter Heier, M’Tasha Daniella Harris, Jacob Abram Harris, Keith Russell Harris, Nicholas Russell Hanover, Kennedy Anne Harris and Tayler James Harris; and two step-great-grandchildren, Scarlett Jo Harris and Bradley Ryan Harris. She is also survived by her brother, Kenneth Lee (Coralee Jean) Hagerty, Lafayette; sisters, Patsy Ellen (Larry Lee) Benson, New Castle; and Kathy Sue Lamberson, Nashville, Tenn.; and 11 nieces and nephews. Also surviving are brothers-in-law, Robert Elliott Heier, Salem, Ala.; and Brent Charles Heier (Mary), Trenton, Ill.; and sister-in-law, Susan Heidrich-Oman, Ft. Wayne.
Carolyn is pre-deceased by her brother, Eldon Eugene (Lou Maszak) Hagerty, Chandler, Ariz.; and sisters, Norma Lou (Jon Kevin) Worland, lndio, Calif.; and Barbara Ann Williams, New Castle.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 20650 Cumberland Road, Noblesville, with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Doug Gast will officiate. Private inurnment will be at South Mound Cemetery in New Castle.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Big Cypress DAR Foundation, Naples, Fla.
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Arrangements
Calling: 10 to 11 a.m., Jan. 19
Service: 11 a.m., Jan. 19
Location: Bethel Lutheran Church
Condolences: randallroberts.com