Joan Heller

Joan Dorothy Heller, 85, died peacefully in her home on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 after a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and rheumatoid arthritis. She was surrounded by her family.

Joan was born in Brooklyn, NY. She and her family resided in Westbury, NY before moving to Gillis, LA in 1980.

She worked for the Calcasieu Parish School Board for several years before becoming a slot attendant at the Isle of Capri Casino. She worked there for 10 years and retired in 2005.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Dorothy Finn; her infant brother, Robert Finn and Sassy Jean Heller, the most perfect puppy child ever.

She is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 64 years, William Heller Jr.; sons William Heller III (Rebecca), Robert Heller (Amy), Kenneth Heller (Heather) and James Heller; daughter, Laura Heller; brothers Thomas Finn and Steven Finn; one sister, Susan Finn Klatman; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Joan mastered everything she set her mind to -- including cooking, ceramics, sewing, crocheting and even reupholstering furniture. Despite having five children, she managed to keep the family home perfectly immaculate. Joan had boundless energy and never stopped – until her illnesses forced her to.

She and William, both 67 at the time, rode his Harley at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota, where they slept in a tent. Joan got a butterfly tattoo on her ankle at age 79. A volunteer with Dr. Dogs Pet Therapy, Joan brought Sassy, a registered therapy dog, to visits at nursing homes, schools, hospitals, libraries and local college campuses.

Joan was cremated under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. A private mass was held at St. John Bosco Church in Westlake, LA.

The family would like to thank Heart of Hospice in Lake Charles for the care and compassion Joan received in her final months. They particularly would like to thank nurses Ann Marie and Chanté, who treated her like family.