Jeanette Ann Heller

Jeannette Ann Heller, born on July 29th, 1941, passed away Friday, April 8th at the age of 74 from Alzheimer's. She was the daughter of the late Anna Dobias and John Dobias. She was born in East Bernard, Texas and lived there through her youth. She was the youngest of 6 kids. Growing up, she loved all animals. A love that continued throughout her life.

In 1960, she married the love of her life, Joe Heller. They met at a cousin's wedding and it wasn't long and they were headed down the aisle. The couple started their life together in Weslaco, Texas and began Chapote Farms. Over the next 11 years they were blessed with five children, three daughters and two sons. Jeanette was an amazing cook and homemaker. She always hosted countless family gatherings and managed to serve everything to the table perfectly and seemingly effortless.

Jeanette's focus was always her faith, her husband and her children. Along with her husband, she devoted her time to church sponsored programs such as Engaged Encounters and pre-marriage preparation which helps many young Catholic couples get off to a good start.

Jeanette kept the books for Chapote Farms. In 1998, Jeanette opened a fruit stand. She enjoyed the hard work, visiting with customers, and being outdoors. She successfully ran and managed it for many years.

Other than the love for her family, Jeanette's true passion was oil painting. She hosted a group of artists that met weekly to socialize and paint. She did paintings for family and many of her works hang in their homes and are greatly treasured.

Jeanette has sixteen grandchildren split evenly between boys and girls. She loved to spend time with them, exploring and having fun.

Jeanette's faith in God was an inspiration to her family and was a comfort to her after her diagnosis of Alzheimer's.

Jeanette is preceded in death by her father, John Dobias and mother, Anna Dobias, brothers Ralph Dobias, John Dobias , Leonard J. Dobias and sisters Evelyn Wolfenson and Bessie Maly. Jeanette is survived by her husband Joe Heller, daughters Cheryl Cross (Tom), Donna Alley (David), and Laura Waddle (Mac), and sons Paul Heller and Steven Heller (Tracy) and her grandchildren.

Contributions in her honor can be made to MD Anderson https://www.mdanderson.org/donors-volunteers/donate.html