Heidi A. Abbe

Heidi A. Abbe, 55, of Schuylkill Haven, went home to Jesus on Sunday, June 21st, passing away with her loving family by her side.

Born in Rockville, Connecticut on April 11, 1971, Heidi was the daughter of Rev. Jeffrey and Karen Stonesifer, who took her as a temporary foster child in August, 1973. As Karen drove her home from the hospital where she had been for 10 months, Heidi started screaming because she didn’t know what was happening. Karen remembers praying, “God, just let us get home and I know everything will be okay.” And 53 years later, Heidi indeed made it home safely.

Heidi had a zeal for life that was unmatched – her booming laugh, her big smile, and her love for her mom and dad. Heidi loved the programs she attended at St. Joseph's Center for special learning and Avenues Possibilities where she enjoyed participating in crafts and socializing. She loved her pets, fashion and food magazines and watching Daniel Tiger, as well as going on trips to the mall or other adventures with her parents and other caretakers.

Though Heidi had her share of severe disabilities, they never disabled her capacity to give and receive love in abundance. Heidi was loved fiercely and didn’t hesitate to give that love back to her parents, her siblings, and the many workers who helped take care of Heidi over the years. To know Heidi was to love Heidi, and the grief of her passing touches people far outside of her immediate family.

In addition to her parents Heidi is survived by her brothers Jonathan (Carla) Stonesifer, Jared (Gwen) Stonesifer and her sister Shannon (Tim) Stauffer as well as eight nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her biological family, mother Angie Knowlton, brother Danny Abbe and sisters Cindy (Will) Green and Emily Jennings.

A Religious Service will be held on Saturday, June 27th at 10 AM at Hamilton - Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg with Rev. Shannon Stauffer officiating. The public is invited from 9 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Christ Church Cemetery, McKeansburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Congregational Free Church of Christ 81 McKeans Ridge Road Orwigsburg, PA 17961 or to either The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews or to Samaritan’s Purse.

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