Linda Kay Heffernan, nee Loepker, age 64, passed away Monday, June 16, 2025 at St. Bernard’s Hospital in Jonesboro, AR, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. Linda was born on March 15, 1961 in Carlyle, Illinois, and she was the daughter of the late Stanley “Corky” and Margaret Loepker. With her passing, Linda was reunited with the love of her life and best friend, her late husband, John “Mal” Heffernan, who passed away in 2021.
Linda dedicated her life to being a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her four children, Jasmin Monroe of St. Louis, MO, John (Amber) Heffernan, Jr. of Jonesboro, AR, Conor Heffernan of Edwardsville, IL, and Trey (Haley) Heffernan of Mahomet, IL. Linda was the heart of their family, and her sage advice and “love you mores” will be deeply missed. As her children created their own families, Linda’s heart grew even more as she became “MawMaw Lou” and the light of her grandchildren’s lives. She will live forever in the hearts of her six grandchildren, Chayse Monroe, Kinley, Evelyn, and John “Jack” Heffernan III, and Elias and Liana Heffernan.
Linda is also survived by her sisters Kathleen “Kitty” Loepker and Juliana (Rob) Gowens, and a brother, David Loepker as well as brothers-in-law, Michael (Diane) Heffernan of Millstadt, IL, Tom (Kathy) Heffernan of Williamsburg, WV, Mark (Bonnie) Heffernan of Freeburg, IL, and several dear nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and beloved husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Duane Loepker and Dale Loepker, sister-in-law Patricia St. Clair, and nephews, Joe Loepker and Daniel Heffernan.
Linda was a kind soul who welcomed everyone into her heart and home. While raising her children, she also worked as a paraprofessional at Harmony-Emge School District and later at Anheuser-Busch. Throughout each stage of her life, she made sure to create memories with her family and friends and carry on traditions that will be forever cherished. She brought joy to those who knew her, and she will be remembered for her fierce dedication to her family. While we know she is overjoyed to be reunited with Mal, there will always be a Linda-sized hole in those who loved her.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
To honor Linda’s life: a visitation will be held on 3:00pm to 6:00 pm on June 23, 2025 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.
Services: Funeral services will be held at 6:00 pm on Monday June 23, 2025 at Kurrus Funeral Home with Msgr. Bill McGhee officiating.
