Joyce Heffernan

Joyce Heffernan

1935 – 2026

  Joyce Heffernan (nee Enright), age 90 of Drexel Hill, died peacefully on January 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband Matthew Michael Heffernan, her son Thomas Heffernan, and her parents, the late Thomas and Margaret (nee Joyce) Enright. She is survived by her loving children, Gail Heffernan (Robert Lynch), Michael (Christina) Heffernan, Matthew (Sarah) Heffernan, and Daughter-in-law Jennifer Heffernan. Also survived by her 14 cherished grandchildren, Kathleen (Anthony), Meghan (Josh), Maggie, Jack, Tommy, Brendan, Mary, Caroline, Julie, Jacqueline, James, Michael, Colin, and Katherine. 

​She was born in Brooklyn, NY, on December 16, 1935. In her youth, she loved to travel and embraced new experiences with independence and enthusiasm. Determined to further her education, she put herself through college at Saint John’s University in New York, while working full-time, earning degrees in education.  While raising four children, she also earned a master’s degree in psychology and worked as a school psychologist and teacher.

Joyce was a woman of deep and abiding faith; she was a devout Catholic whose life was guided by prayer, the sacraments, and trust in God. Her greatest joy came from her family—especially her beloved children and grandchildren, whom she cherished beyond measure. She placed a high value on education, believing that learning was both a privilege and a responsibility, and she encouraged those around her to pursue knowledge with curiosity and discipline. A lifelong reader, she found great pleasure and meaning in books. Her faith, wisdom, and love will continue to shape the lives of all who knew her.

She shared a profound and lasting love with her siblings Thomas and Muriel and held a special affection for her nieces and nephews. She frequently remarked that she came from a loving family and, through marriage, was welcomed into another.

In her final years, she resided at Little Flower Manor Nursing Home, where she was cared for with exceptional kindness, dignity, and compassion. Her family remains profoundly grateful for the devoted nurses, staff, and clergy who treated her with such respect and tenderness.

​    Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Wednesday evening, January 14, 2026, from 7 pm to 9 pm at Ruffenach Funeral Home, 4900 Township Line Road, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania 19026. Her Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10:15 am at St. Dorothy Church, 4910 Township Line Road, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania 19026.   

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sisters of Life (https://sistersoflife.org/donate/) in memory of Joyce.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce Heffernan, please visit our floral store.