Dawn Heilman

Dawn E. Berckmiller Smith Heilman, 69, of South Buffalo Township passed into the spiritual world at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital on Monday. She had chronic lung disease and was awaiting lung transplant.

Dawn was born on Oct. 15, 1945, in Sewickley, the daughter of the late Anna M. Schlereth and Edmund L. Berckmiller.

She was a member of St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Freeport.

She graduated from Duquesne University in 1967 with a bachelor's of science degree and completed her graduate work in chemistry at the University of Hawaii. Dawn obtained her MScEd from Clarion University.

Dawn's teaching career at the University of Hawaii, Hopewell High School and Knoch High School, spanned more than 25 years, influencing thousands of students in physical science and chemistry. She also served as Knoch's science chairwoman for several years.

An avid volunteer throughout her life, Dawn led the junior volunteer program and subsequently served as president of the Pittsburgh Zoo Docent Council. She also served as president of the Buffalo Township PTA, president of the Freeport Evening Club and later was the treasurer of the Freeport Renaissance Association. She will always be remembered for her lifelong dedication to family, her passion for learning and her service to the community.

Dawn, a devoted and loving wife and mother, is survived by her husband, Dr. J. Daniel Heilman; and her daughters, Molly M. Smith (Daniel J. Flick) and Emily C. Smith (Gregory X. Nagg). She is the sister of David Berckmiller, Edmund (Judy) Berckmiller, Lynn (Marge) Berckmiller and Paula (Stanley) Trzcianka.

HEILMAN — Family and friends of Dawn E. Berckmiller Smith Heilman, who died Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, will be received from noon until 4 p.m. Sunday in the Redmond Funeral Home, 524 High St. Freeport.A parting prayer service will be in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Freeport at 10 a.m. Monday with the Rev. Edward Volz officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Freeport.Memorial contributions can be made to the Freeport Theater Festival, 2498 White Cloud Road, Leechburg, PA 15656 or St. Mary Mother of God Church, 608 High St., Freeport, PA 16229.To send a condolence, please visit www.redmondfuneralhomeinc.com