Obituary of Bette Louise Heimlich

Bette Louise Heimlich (Kenty), loving wife of Alexander (Sandy) Heimlich of Heimlich Nurseries, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on Thursday March 7 at the age of eighty.

Born to Bertram and Elizabeth of Malden. Bert was the long-time coach of Malden Catholic Hockey, so Bette grew up in their hockey arena.

After high school, Bette’s career began as a secretary for the John J Reilly tannery in Woburn. Her heart found it’s match with Sandy whom she met through mutual friends. Their near immediate connection blossomed into marriage in 1964. After welcoming two children, Cheryl and Jeff, Bette began to work from home to take care of her children as well as Heimlich Nurseries bookkeeping. Over the years she and Sandy’s tireless partnership worked to make their family business thrive. Their deep roots in the Woburn community and their nearly sixty years together was an example for all to witness.

Cheryl and Bette had a special bond going on vacations, out to lunch, or simply just an ice cream, whereas Jeff and she worked nearly every Monday together with the interior landscaping.

Bette and Sandy traveled extensively but never too far from a beach. Whether it was Jamica, St. Maartan, Florida or even local to Hampton, NH. Happiest in a beach chair with a good mystery novel. She did not ski but when winter came, she would go with the whole family to the mountains where she would watch her husband and kids from the warmth of the lodge.

Bette was a fantastic host, throwing some amazing parties over the years. From birthdays to their annual fourth of July cookout, nearly all family get-togethers happened on her back patio.

When first becoming a grandmother, she dove right in to help, with babysitting or picking up John from school (Always two hours early, to get the good spot and have time to read).

Bette knew how to have a good time. Beside her, her sister and partner in crime Joan, would annually fly to Vegas to try their luck at the slots and to take in the city’s shows. But as a rule, she held the money.

Her spontaneity was also a staple. Dismissing her kids from school early, if it was nice enough for the beach (Jeff) or getting their hair done and having lunch (Cheryl).

Loved by everyone who met her, with her kind words and thoughtfulness. Even strangers were considered friends not-met-yet. She will be missed by her family and many friends. She died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family.

Survived by her husband, Alexander (Sandy) Heimlich. Her two children Cheryl Lombardo of Tewksbury and her husband Richard and Jeff Heimlich of Woburn and his wife AnnMarie. Four grandchildren Richard Jr., Jason, John and John, as well as three great grandchildren, Gianna, Olivia and Noah.  Her sister Joan Daniels of Lawrence and her husband Robert, and a Brother Edward Kenty of Naples, Florida and his wife Barbara.

A celebration of life for Bette will be held at a later date. Please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association.