Obituary of Sandra Atchison Heise

Sandra Atchison Heise of Centreville, VA passed peacefully from this earth to Our Heavenly Father's open arms on January 24, 2016, surrounded by her family. She was born August 6, 1962 to Nancy Atchison and the late Robert Atchison in Berwyn, PA. She graduated from Conestoga High school in 1980 and Lafayette College with a degree in Engineering in 1984. Sandy moved to California to work for Rockwell International where she met the love of her life, Clifford Heise. Sandy and Cliff married on October 7, 1989 and in 1994 moved to Virginia. She felt that her greatest accomplishment was the birth of their daughter, Jessica, in 1996. Sandy was a devoted wife and mother who was involved in Jessie's school and activities, from leading school book fairs for 8 years to handling the ribbons and awards for the Sequoia Farms swim team for 13 years. She was defined not by her many successes but by how she affected the people she touched everyday with her infectious smile and spirit. Her favorite place to visit was the beach (any and all beaches); she especially loved the Virgin Islands. She was often spontaneous and always up for any adventure. Sandy's 4 ½ year battle with cancer was courageous and inspiring to all who knew her. She kept her positive attitude throughout because of her trust in God and her faith in His plan for her and her family. She is survived by her mother, Nancy Atchison, of Audubon, PA; husband of 26 years, Clifford Heise, and daughter, Jessie Heise, of Centreville, VA; brother, Tom Atchison, of Phoenix, AZ; and aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins. A memorial service for Sandy will be held on January 30, 2016 at 1:00pm followed by a reception at Floris United Methodist Church, 13600 Frying Pan Road, Herndon, VA 20171. Ph. 703-793-0026. Donations may be made to Floris United Methodist Church, 13600 Frying Pan Road, Herndon, Va 20171 or Healthwell Foundation, Emergency Cancer Relief Fund, Box 4133, Gaithersburg, Md 20885-4133.