Dot Heitzmann

Dorothy, an auburn hair,freckle face, life of the party lived life as she wanted. She was the fourth of the Horrigan siblings. A devoted mom and grandmother, she was married to Henry Heitzman Sr. Dorothy had the ability to extend that loving embrace with a soothing warmth. She was by far the class clown of the Horrigan siblings. Her comedic antics rivaled those of then comedian, Lucille Ball. With a Lucky Strike cigarette bouncing between her lips, a can of Dixie beer in one hand and the other basting a roast or cured ham she delighted all with her funny gestures and comments. She'd wear a cap or scarf across her pulled back hair, blue jeans and checkered shirt, she was most comfortable in a country setting. With a nursing career, Dorothy had her serious side and from most who knew her, was an excellent and caring nurse. Under all her laughter lived a woman in pain, she suffered with diviticulitis, emphysema and a variety of other ailments. It is believed for many years she hid her sickness with all her fun and craziness. Dot and Henry had one son, Henry Jr., "H J" as he would be called. Aunt Dot's "H.J." was her pride and joy. His musical talents brought her such delight. She would see that he had the instruments needed for his musical career.

  One of the sadist days, was to see her home inundated with mud and flood waters after Hurricane Camile which ravished the Gulf Coast, Nothing could be saved. Aunt Dorothy was to live the rest of her days in the guest house of her mother, "Granny". Her many physical problems became apparent in the years to follow. The once, life of the party became bed ridden within a few years until her death.