Obituary of Kim Marie Heath Maney, 53

Kim Marie Heath Maney, 53, of State College, died suddenly on Friday, July 30, 2010, of heart failure in Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

She was born on Dec. 16, 1956, to the late Robert David and Regina Marie (Peters) in Huntingdon. She is once again reunited with her beloved parents. Kim attended Mount Union Area High School and then went on to pursue a teaching degree at Juniata College in Huntingdon.

Although she chose teaching on a whim, Kim became a fantastic teacher. She was adored by all of her students, and she helped shape the lives of many young people. Kim was one of the most wonderful people that one could ever meet. She was an exceptional mother, not only to her daughter Elle, but also to any other child in need. She opened her doors and her heart to all. Her life revolved around Elle's many activities and pursuits. She attended every single dance and theatrical performance Elle ever had, she stayed up late into the night with her when she was studying, and she tried to make every dream she ever had come true. When her daughter was younger, Kim would sleep on the floor in her room until she fell asleep and followed behind the kindergarten school bus to make sure she arrived safely. Most recently, she became best friends with Elle's 6-year old half-brother, Alex Maney, of State College. They cleaned together, studied together, watched the 4th of July fireworks together, and they often visited Alex's favorite store, Lowes. They loved the time they spent together and he made Kim very happy.

Kim was trustworthy friend; a devoted daughter, sister, and aunt; and a gifted teacher. She worked as a substitute in the State College Area School District for many years and a teacher at Wonderland Charter School, State College, but returned to the Penn State Student Loans Office after an 18-year hiatus to help finance her daughter's education. Kim attended Mount Nittany United Methodist Church and later, Pine Hall Lutheran Church. Kim was also passionate about breast cancer awareness as she became proactive in many of the volunteer activities involving prevention of this disease.

She will be remembered for her witty sense of humor, her sensitivity, her love of all of god's creatures, her generosity, her kindness, her unending love, and her beauty. Kim's passing is not only a great loss to her family and friends, but also a great loss to humanity.

Kim is survived by her daughter, Elle Marie Maney and her "other daughter," Samantha Benz, both of State College. She is also survived by her three brothers, David R. Heath and his wife Rachael, of East Stroudsburg, William J. Heath and his wife Genafe "Genny," of Mount Union, and J. Matthew Heath and his wife Lisa, of Mill Creek; as well as her nieces and nephews Clint Heath, of Harrisburg, Tyler Heath of Baltimore, Bethany Sheffield, of Pittsburgh, J.T. Bell, of Zion, Brennan Bell, of Curwensville, and Anyssa Bell of Curwensville; a sister-in-law, Sidney Bell and her husband Jim, of Curwensville; and her long-time friend, Ken Maney, of State College. She is also survived by the many others who loved and adored her.

Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010, and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, at Pine Hall Lutheran Church in State College. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2010, at the church, with Pastor Gregory P. Harbaugh officiating. Private interment will be made in Haven Rest Memorial Park, Shirleysburg. Memorials may be made to: Centre County Paws, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801; to the Mount Union Presbyterian Church, Corner Shirley and Division Streets, Mount Union, PA 17066; to Centre County Women's Resource Center, 140 W. Nittany Ave., State College, PA 16801; or to Christian Appalachian Project, P.O. Box 55911, Lexington, KY 40555.