Belinda Heck of Albuquerque, NM lost her cancer battle April 8, 2016. She had recently relocated to Palo Duro Canyon Estates in January, so she could be back home in her native Texas, and closer to her large Texas Panhandle family. Belinda grew up in the farming community of Nazareth, Texas; where she completed all 12 grades, and lived with her parents, Charles and Ann Heck, and 8 siblings.

In 1994, Belinda moved to live with her twin sister (Beverly) in Albuquerque; where there was a large network of social and work programs for adults with developmental disabilities. She initially had various employments through ARCA--first their Community Employment Services, and later La Paloma Greenhouse. Several years later, she was able to secure an opening at Very Special Arts of New Mexico (VSA), which provides arts education and exhibition opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. At VSA, Belinda participated in a plethora of visual and performing arts including Pottery, Sewing/Quilting, Musical Theater, Yoga, Painting, Native American Art, Collage, and Dance Classes (Flamenco, Hip-Hop, Salsa, Line Dancing, etc). The group also had weekly community outings to Albuquerque and Santa Fe cultural events and museums.

Belinda lived with Beverly and husband Philip in the Sandia Mountain Foothills, within full view of the Sandia Peak Tram. With extensive city views and backdoor mountain access, she became a competent hiker.  She especially loved to read children's books-- either outside on deck swings, or her rocking chair inside by the fireplace.  Belinda always awakened early, excited to see her peers at VSA. She was picked up every weekday 07:30 by ABQ Ride (City transit system for disabled residents), and returned home mid-afternoon. On weekends, she participated in Special Olympics Bowling during winter, and Bocce Ball in summer. She won several bowling awards at annual regional and state competitions. When available, her mother Ann drove in from Nazareth, and accompanied her on a couple trips. Wednesday evenings, Belinda enjoyed "Friendship Club", a bible study and social club for adults with developmental disabilities.

Belinda had opportunity and increased independence through the New Mexico DD Waiver, and had support of several dedicated coordinators and therapists who worked with her several times monthly on activities such as swim rehab, social/communication skills, and telephone skills (Thank you Denise, Linda, Carey, Kristina, Jeanne, Cathy, and Pam).

Belinda's mom, Ann Heck, would stay with Belinda if Beverly or Philip had medical conferences or shorter military duty. After Ann's death 2011, Faye Valdez Cook (originally of Abernathy), assumed this duty as Respite Provider. But Belinda was lovingly cared for by Beverly's husband (Dr. Phil) during her overseas military deployment 2012/2013 (Phil became quite proficient in hair-braiding!).

Belinda has taken numerous mountain and coastal vacations with Beverly and Phil to all parts of US. OCONUS travels included an Alaskan Cruise 2015, Bahamas Disney Cruise 2013, and Hawaiian Islands 2005.

Belinda is survived by her twin sister/guardian Beverly and husband Philip of Albuquerque, NM; sister Dolores Palmer and husband John Duggan of Amarillo; brother Charles Lee and wife Kim of Wilmington, NC; sister Tammy Black and husband Chad of Hart; sister Charlotte Motley of Olton; sister Darlene Miller and husband Randy of Darrouzett, brother Morgan and wife Shannan of Sunray; and 18 nieces/ nephews, their spouses and children.  Preceded in death by younger brother Dewayne (1983), mother Ann (2011), and father Charles Oswald (2016).

Thanks to the staff of Hospice Care of the Southwest for their expeditious and loving care provided Belinda in her last 3 weeks. Especially Hospice Nurse Cindy Rohrbach (previously of Dimmitt).

And Special thanks to Father Ken and the entire Nazareth Parish/Community for their generosity and help in welcoming both Belinda and our father Charles "home".

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Holy Family Catholic Church , Nazareth, Tx ( www.hfpn.org )

VSAarts of New Mexico (see www.vsartsnm.org and click on "donate" at bottom of page).

Following the funeral service the Heck family is having a meal served in the community hall for everyone to attend.