Linda Heeren

Linda Heeren, 59, of Danville, passed away at 11:38pm Thursday (September 16, 2010) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. Services celebrating her life will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday (September 21) at the Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, a Life Celebration Home, in Danville. Burial will follow in Bono Cemetery south of Dana, Indiana. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday (September 20) at the funeral home. Linda was born December 7, 1950 in Clinton, Indiana, the daughter of Maurice and Doris (Parks) Johnson. The family later moved to Paris, Illinois where Linda graduated from Paris High School in 1969. In 1972, she graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and in 1974 she received a Master of Education degree. Additionally in 1974, Linda was granted a Special Certificate in Guidance. Lindas thirty years in education began as a guidance counselor at Georgetown High School, Georgetown, Illinois. In August of 1981, Linda began at Danville Area Community College and served the college in many capacities including Student Services, Counseling and Adult & Developmental Education. During her tenure, Linda participated and served on many state boards, organizations and committees. She retired in May 2003 as Vice President, Student Services and Basic Skills. She returned following her retirement to teach Developmental Education classes. Linda obtained her realtors license in 2003 and began working as an associate with Bob McMurray Real Estate. In this capacity, Linda was a member of the Danville Area Board of Realtors. Linda was active in several local clubs and organizations over the years including Downtown Danville Rotary, YWCA Board Member, Education Personnel Federal Credit Union Board Member, Festival of Trees and Phi Delta Kappa . Over the years, Linda developed a wide association of good friends and colleagues. She enjoyed traveling with friends to Greece, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. She was fond of antiquing, refinishing furniture, going to the theatre and playing golf. As a mom, Linda never missed her daughters high school sporting events. Linda was always boastful of being an avid Illini fan. Linda is survived by her daughter, Dana (Nate) Rupczynski of Mundelein; twin grandsons, Elijah John and Mason Howard, who were the delight of their grandmas life. In addition to her daughter, Linda is survived by her mother, Doris (Parks) Johnson of Paris, a brother, Maurice C. (Wilma) Johnson Jr. of Paris and nephews, Maurice Chris Johnson III of Lafayette, Indiana and Brian Johnson of Little Rock, Arkansas. Linda will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Maurice C. Johnson Sr. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Danville Area Community College Foundation in memory of Linda Heeren or to the charity of the donors choice. Additional information and online condolences are available at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com