Marianna McNees Heaney, beloved daughter, wife, mother, and one of those who have been called "The Greatest Generation."  died on February 16, 2016 at her home in Meadow Ridge, Georgetown, CT.  She was 99.  Her death resulted from natural causes.

She was married for 52 years to the late Norman S. Heaney and is survived by her two children, Brian Heaney (Abbie) and Alison Freeland (Hugh), and by five grandchildren: Sean, Colin (Danielle), and Alex Heaney, Corey Freeland, and Jessica McSurdy (Kevin).

Marianna graduated in the class of 1933 at The Grier School in Birmingham, PA and became president of the class of 1937 at Mt. Holyoke College.  After college, she earned her small plane pilot's license from the Civil Air Patrol.  When the war came, she entered the WAVES and served in the U.S. Naval Reserve, achieving the rank of Lieutenant, and working first in public relations and then, at a naval psychiatric hospital, in patient development and education.  She later briefly went to art school in New York City, and during the rest of her life painted in watercolors and drew prolifically in pastels.

After their wedding, Norman returned to naval service in Europe, not to see Marianna again until months after the war.  Marianna was the only one permitted on the dock at Staten Island when Norman, on an aircraft carrier, returned with the dawn.  Love, joy, companionship and mutual respect characterized their long marriage.

Marianna used few words but was stalwart for her family, raising her children with attention and care, giving appreciation for art, culture, travel and the next adventure.  For her, actions always surpassed words or displays.

Marianna worked for the Campfire Girls and Life Magazine and after having a family, wrote many articles for The Rye Chronicle newspaper and then for the Meadow Ridge Record.  She served in school, church and community youth functions while raising her children.

Lasting Impact

Marianna's love for the arts and her writing and painting ability have been passed to her children and her grandchildren.  Marianna also had a quiet, unshakable faith in God. Not only did she join Norman in prayer that Brian would live after being born at 29 weeks, but she also worked with Norman in Church leadership and service.  The Rye Presbyterian Church and St. Anne's Parish (Episcopal) in Annapolis both enjoyed her many years of committee and volunteer work.  Marianna placed great importance and reliance on the Scriptures, leading Bible study groups at both St. Anne's and Meadow Ridge.  Her prayer for all her gathered children and grandchildren on her 98th birthday was "May the Lord be involved in all that you do."  Her death is a loss both to her family and to the many people she loved.  Good-bye for now, Marianna.  In John Donne's words, "One short sleep past, we wake eternally."