June Heitzmann

Dorothy “June” (Towry) Heitzmann, age 89, formerly of Grove, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at RiverCourt Residences in Groton, Massachusetts.

June was born on February 17, 1936, in Nashville, Tennessee. She was raised in Fayetteville, Tennessee, by her mother, G. Leona Towry, and her loving grandparents, Arthur N. Towry and Annie L. Schnetzler. It was there that June’s lifelong love of music began. She started piano lessons in the third grade with Mrs. Havelon Gearish and continued through high school. Even as a young student, her remarkable talent was evident. During her high school years, she generously shared her musical gifts, performing for community organizations such as the Lions Club and Buckeye Primitive Baptist church where her grandfather was the pastor. She also played for various other venues in Fayetteville and when she moved to Huntsville, the Missile Men and Maids Chorus as well as Post Chapel organist.

After graduating from Central High School in 1954, June began working for the Army Ballistic Missile Agency in Huntsville, Alabama. It was there, while singing in the Huntsville Community Chorus, that she met the love of her life, Duane A. Heitzmann. The two were married on August 31, 1957. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service and raised two children, Carole and Paul.

Following a brief time in El Paso, Texas, the family settled in Southern California, living in Canoga Park (now West Hills) in the San Fernando Valley. During these years, June remained deeply involved in her church and musical communities. She served as organist at First Baptist Church of Woodland Hills. Her love of choral music led her to sing for many years with the Valley Master Chorale and later with the Angeles Chorale. Through the Angeles Chorale, June had the cherished opportunity to tour Europe and Russia as a performer. These experiences during the Cold War Era, along with the many renowned musicians she met along the way, remained among her most treasured memories and favorite stories to share.

In 1996, June and Duane retired to Grove, Oklahoma, where they enjoyed life on the shores of Grand Lake. There, June continued her devoted service to her church family as the pianist for Grove’s First Baptist Church for more than 15 years. She became a beloved and highly respected member of the church, frequently requested to play for weddings, funerals, and special services. Her musicianship and generous spirit left a lasting impact on the congregation and the wider community.

In 2022, June moved to New England to be closer to her daughter and family. Even as her health declined, her love of music never faded. She continued playing piano for RiverCourt’s Melody Makers and delighted in sharing stories from her rich and fascinating life, while also taking great interest in the stories of others. She especially cherished time spent with her great-grandsons, Henry, Benjamin and Arthur.

Beyond music, June had many passions. She was a devoted watcher of Jeopardy!, impressing family and friends with her vast knowledge—so much so that many encouraged her to try out as a contestant. An avid lifelong reader, she particularly loved mystery novels and amassed a sizable personal library, which she happily shared with others. She also enjoyed assembling jigsaw puzzles, always keeping one in progress and welcoming anyone to join in. Crossword puzzles were another favorite challenge, especially the daily puzzle in her newspaper. A natural anglophile, June had a deep affection for all things British, from classic television shows to the country’s history and cuisine.

June was preceded in death by her mother, Leona Towry; her stepfather, D. M. Sanders; her husband, Duane Heitzmann; and her son, Paul Heitzmann.

She is survived by her daughter, Carole (Steve) Zimmelman of Pepperell, Massachusetts; her grandchildren, Alisa (Todd) Luvisi, David (Tula) Zimmelman, and Ashley (Paul) Scherlek; three great-grandsons, Henry, Benjamin and Aurthur; her sister-in-law, Janice Maier of New Braunfels, Texas; her brother-in-law, Paul (Sue) Heitzmann of Cleveland, Ohio; and her close cousin, Ruth Todd of Fayetteville, Tennessee.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Grove’s First Baptist Church in Grove, OK. Burial will follow in the Olympus North Cemetery in Grove, OK. Friends and family may visit Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at Grove’s First Baptist Church, 501 E. 13th St. Grove, OK 74344.

June will be lovingly remembered for her exceptional musicianship, unwavering faith, devotion to family and friends, and her wonderfully dry and witty sense of humor. Friends and family may leave notes of encouragement, condolences, and share memories online at www.honoringmemoriesgrove.com