Obituary: Martha Jane Mahoney Heyniger, 51, of Bethlehem

Martha Jane Mahoney Heyniger, 51, of Bethlehem, died in Waterbury on Friday, January 20, 2012, of cancer. She was surrounded by many of her loved ones at the time of her death.

Heyniger was born in Boston, Mass. on February 12, 1960, the daughter of Martha McNamara Mahoney and R. Russell Mahoney. She is survived by her beloved husband Cortlandt S. Heyniger and stepsons Alex and Reid Heyniger.

She is survived by her mother, Martha McNamara Mahoney, and siblings Margaret Mahoney and husband Mark Luckman of Brookline, Mass.; Sarah Mahoney Flynn and husband Joseph Flynn of Windsor Locks; Robert R. Mahoney of Kent; Christopher J. Mahoney and fiancée Liz Crawford of Westport; and Terence Mahoney and wife Alma Mahoney of West Haven.

Heyniger leaves her adored nieces and nephews: Kaitlin and Kerry Flynn, Will Luckman, Christopher and Nicholas Mahoney, Aedan and Maggie Mahoney, and Joseph Mahoney and Nicolle Macao.

She leaves Cort’s sister Sage and her husband Richard Chase of Elkins, N.H., and their sons Christopher, Matthew and Peter; all of whom have families who loved her.

Heyniger leaves best friends Carol Alho, Kim Seresin and Ellen Wagner Butz. She was predeceased by her father, R. Russell Mahoney, and her brother Joseph A. Mahoney.

Heyniger was a gifted musician, cook, gardener and beekeeper. She was a talented artist and decorator who, together with her husband, built and decorated a uniquely lovely home.

She had a wonderful sense of humor and great wit and was a fabulous entertainer. She was creative, fun to be with and intellectually curious.

Although Heyniger was diagnosed with cancer in December 2010, she fought it with all of her resources, spirit and spunk. She never complained of the difficulty of her struggle, instead focusing on protecting those she loved.

She was self-employed in sales, most recently with Share Corporation.

Services: There will be a funeral service at Christ Episcopal Church on Wellers Bridge Road in Roxbury for family and close friends. A memorial celebration of her life will take place at a future date.

Memorials: Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St. I-91 Tech Center, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, in Heyniger's memory.

Funeral Home:

Cemetery: Not applicable