Arlene June (Baker) Heintzelman

Arlene June (Baker) Heintzelman, age 87, of Mechanicsburg, passed away at UPMC West Shore Hospital on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.  Arlene was born on Tuesday, June 23, 1936, in Mechanicsburg to the late Harold Baker and Ethel (Sherman) Baker.  In addition to her parents, Arlene is preceded in death by her grandchild, Corrin Townsend; her sister Harriet Kinard; her son-in-law, Timothy Copenhaver; her daughter-in-law, Susan Heintzelman; and her brother-in-law, Richard Kinard.

Arlene’s survivors include her three children: Debra Sunday and husband, Jake, of Mechanicsburg; Christine Copenhaver of Lebanon; Steven Heintzelman and wife, Elizabeth, of Grantville; her four grandchildren:  Aaron Anthony; Nathan Sunday and wife, Brittany; Timothy Heintzelman; Lisa Schultz and husband, Matthew; her six great-grandchildren: Tanner Anthony, Luke Schultz, True Atwood, Journey Sweigart, Carson Sunday, and Cayson Sunday; her two step great-grandchildren: Elijah Oldfield and Kellan Schultz; her step great-great grandchild Freyalyn Oldfield; her niece, Cheryl Walker and husband, Ken; her nephew Brian Kinard and wife, Chris; many cousins; and her dear friend, Gwen Fourson.

Arlene graduated from Mechanicsburg High School as part of the class of 1954, where she was active in the band front, during her junior and senior year; and is the treasurer of the reunion committee.  She retired from Verizon, formerly Bell Atlantic, in 1989; and later from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of General Counsel in 1998.  Arlene was a long-time member of Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, where she served as elder and welcomer.  Arlene was also a member of the lunch group called the “Pew Dusters”, who met regularly to share a meal.  Arlene was involved with many charitable activities.  Her favorite organization was the local Kinard chapter of Telephone Pioneers of America; where she served as chapter President and Treasurer for many years. Arlene was instrumental in organizing and managing their biggest event of the year, which was a 3-day Sports Jamboree for disabled persons held at Fort Indiantown Gap.   Her many other charitable activities included many hours volunteering at the Mechanicsburg Library, reading the newspaper to the blind at a local radio station, helping with the yearly MS Bike tour, and helped staff the Ronald McDonald house in Hershey.  She also enjoyed going out to lunch and coffee and traveling all over the world with her many friends and groups.  Arlene and Gwen also enjoyed camping in her little camper, for many years.   She was also in a bowling league for many years and was part of the 600 club.  She was loved and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.  She was affectionately known to her family by many names, including Toots, Mom, Grammy, GramCracker and GG.

All are welcome to join Arlene’s family at her viewing on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. with a service beginning at 11:00 a.m. all at Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 North 23rd Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011; with officiating.  Arlene’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at her church immediately following the service.  Private interment will take place in Mechanicsburg Cemetery.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Arlene’s life can be made to Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 North 23rd Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011 or to Joseph T. Simpson Public Library, 16 North Walnut Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Arlene’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Arlene’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.