Fairport: Passed away on Thursday April 21, 2022 at age 90 (one month from her 91st birthday) with her family by her side.
Predeceased by her husband of 59 years Warren Heiligman, parents William and Eloise Harrison, in-laws Raymond and Irma Heiligman and daughter-in-law Kim Kollette Leavenworth.
Survived by her daughter Susan Heiligman of Fairport, NY, son Gary Heiligman of Chapin, SC, grandsons Matthew (Brittni) Heiligman and Joshua Heiligman of Williamsport, PA, Kyle (Melanie) Heiligman of Waterford, VA, granddaughters, Liz Leavenworth (Shayne Leonard) and Cassie Leavenworth of Chapin, SC, 5 great grandchildren, brother in-law David (Barrie) Heiligman of Pittsford, NY, nephew Steven Heiligman of Fairport, NY, niece Karen (Daniel) Branch of Lakewood Ranch FL, special cousin and friend Anita Young of Irondequoit, NY and many other dear friends. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.
A life long lover of music, Barbara started singing in the chorus at John Marshall HS in Rochester (where she met Warren) and in the Inter-High Choir of the Rochester City School District.
Barbara and Warren continued their singing with the choral group The Songsters, recording an album in the late 1950’s. The music continued with The Genesee Valley Orchestra and Chorus, Greece Choral Society and the Upstate Chorale which provided fellowship and song, meeting many new friends and providing opportunities to travel to Europe on choral tours. Highlights included singing at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France. It was not unusual to have two or three rehearsals each week for various groups.
Singing in church choirs was an important part of her life at Dewey Avenue Presbyterian Church, Emmanuel Methodist Church and Perinton Presbyterian Church.
Barbara was a past member of the Women’s Council of the Rochester Museum and Science Center which sponsors the annual Holiday Bazaar to support museum programs.
She loved broadway musicals, was an avid reader and enjoyed a glass of Chardonnay at the end of the day.
A Service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at Perinton Presbyterian Church, 6511 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY on Friday April 29th at 11:00 a.m. with a reception immediately following the service at the church.
Interment at White Haven Cemetery will commence immediately following the reception.
Memorial contributions in Barbara’s name may be made to Perinton Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 611, Fairport, NY 14450 or Golisano Children’s Hospital, 150 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY, 14642
Comments
10 responses to “Heiligman (Morse), Barbara J.”
I was sorry to read of Barb’s death in this morning’s (April 26, 2022) D &C. I knew Barb as a co-volunteer at the Rochester Museum and Science center. When I think of Barb, I think of her enthusiasm and our shared interest in singing with our church choirs. She was always willing to do whatever task was needed. My sympathy to her family. Sincerely, Dora Lee Alexander.
With much sadness we read of the passing of Barb Heiligman. Barbara was a bright light; a beautiful, kind, caring woman with a tremendous zest for living. Barb and Warren were an amazing couple with unlimited energy who enjoyed everyday. Music was an integral part of their lives, and the angels have now gained another wonderful voice. Our love and sympathy to her family. Bruce and Jean Anderson
I was very sad to see Barbara’s passing. I have many great memory’s of her and the choir at Dewey Avenue Presbyterian church.
Barb and I were classmates and good friends from Kindergarten at #41 School through high school at John Marshall. We were in voice class together at Marshall, sang, along with Warren, in the Marshall Choir and the Rochester Inter High Choir, which included a spectacular five day tour to Washington DC in the spring of 1948. An unusual and deeply moving event occurred in the course of our evening tour of the Lincoln Memorial. The sight of that building bathed brilliantly in white light against a very dark sky was breathtaking, and movingly enhanced inside by the 19 ft. statue of Lincoln bathed in light green light. As we, 120 talented but ditzy teenagers, stood silently in awe of such a scene, suddenly, with no one starting and no one directing, we all, with seeming cosmic ignition, began from wherever we stood, to sing in respectful reverence, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, a key element in our scheduled concert program. We sang the entire piece, with all of the rhythmic nuances and dynamic variations ever offered in public performance, in spontaneous togetherness with no one directing. It was so moving, other visitors inside and out remained silently in place. We all have remained inspired by that scene for a lifetime. Barb, Waren, and I sang together in more choral performances and musical shows than one could count. And, our offspring played together in the Greece Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps when they won a National Championship at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. Barb was a moving force, musically and lovingly, among those who knew her. Her passing leaves a special void.
I am sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. I met Barb in the 1980’s where we worked at Wink Photo for many years together. She was a lovely person to talk to and we kept in touch for many, many years after I left. It was a joy to receive her Christmas card each year. My condolences to her family as I know how much they always meant to her.
Barbara Heiligman’s obit comment:
Barbara’s soul was music. Her strong, accurate alto voice was a part of GVOC for many years. She preferred show and popular tunes, but enjoyed the classics as well – she was our go-to for song titles, lyrics, etc. from her years singing Broadway and classical in several choruses.
Barbara supported GOVC in many ways – always lending a helping hand you could count on. We interfaced on many activities – especially on our garden tour committee. Barbara could always be counted on for her wise, strong, non-emotional advice (which she never forced on anyone).
She was always friendly, inclusive, and enjoyed life immensely. We have missed her at GVOC these last few years & are imagining she’s now quite happy singing again with Warren.
Carolee and Bob Powers
I so enjoyed singing with, and getting to know Barbara. She was always honest and forthright. She made me laugh, I hope she and Warren are singing together now.
Sue and Gary – My thoughts are with you I was so sorry to read about your Mom’s passing. I always considered Barb as such a refined lady and enjoyed her and your Dad’s company. I will miss exchanging Christmas cards with messages and letters catching up on the years past happenings. She will be missed by so many people. I have looked for the video your Dad made of the family tree but have been unable to locate it, he did such a nice job on it. The pictures of Barb are Great what a beautiful woman inside and out. My sincere sympathies to you.
We were saddened to learn of Barbara’s death. We were in the Genesee Valley Orchestra & Chorus with Barb &
Warren for many years which included memorable European concert tours. The Heavenly Chorus is greatly enriched by their presence.
Sally & Bob Hurlbut
It was pure joy to be friends with Barb (and Warren)! I can still hear her voice in our GVOC alto section – she would always give me that one note that I couldn’t get. Susan, she always said she could be my mom as she and my mom were the same age and you and I were both born in January of the same year. We were so lucky to have them so long (mine passed last June). I am so sorry to have missed her service (we are out of town), but know that I have been thinking about you all. May all your good memories help you in the weeks to come. Barb was one of a kind!