Heidi N. Hershey, age 67, of Parkesburg, PA, passed away on September 5, 2025, at Hospice in Mt Joy, PA after a long illness. She was the daughter of the late Noah and Alta Leaman Hershey. Heidi was a warm, compassionate person with a great sense of humor.  She was an advocate for people on the margins of society. She enjoyed a simple lifestyle, jazz, square dancing, reading, poetry, history and the arts, and traveling both nationally and internationally.

She is a member of Parkesburg Mennonite Church and attended Laurel Street Mennonite Church and Sadsbury Friends Meeting.

She was grateful for the past 10 years of living with her sister, Sarah Nafziger, who became her devoted caregiver throughout her illness. She also enjoyed a close relationship with her three nieces: Nicole Erickson (Steve), Laura Wagner (Josh), and Allison Nafziger.

Heidi graduated with a BA in Education from Eastern Mennonite University. Following her studies, she thrived in city life in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Lancaster cities as well as Santa Fe New Mexico. Heidi taught at Lutheran Middle School in Philadelphia. She also spent 3 years teaching missionary children in Peru, serving under Eastern Mennonite Mission.  Following her time in Peru, she worked for Friendship Community, Lancaster, serving persons with disabilities in a group home. She then acquired a MA in Counseling from Eastern Mennonite University and was a licensed counselor at Milestones Community Health Care in Elkins Park, PA, Catholic Social Services and most recently in private practice at the office of Mary Davis, MD, Psychiatrist in Lancaster, PA.

Surviving are her siblings: Noah L. (Parmalle) Hershey of Parkesburg, PA; Martha (Merle) Wittmer of Quaker City, OH; Rebecca (David) High of Manheim, PA; Sarah Nafziger of Parkesburg, PA and sister-in-law, Kathy Hershey of Parkesburg, PA. She has 24 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by sister Mary Ann and Brother-in-law Robert Shreiner; brother Henry Hershey; and sister Miriam and brother-in-law Ronald Gieg.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life service, hosted by the family, at Parkesburg Mennonite Church, 44 E 2nd Ave, Parkesburg, PA 19365 on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 3 PM.  Friends may greet the family from 2 PM until the service begins. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Heidi's memory can be made to Bridge of Hope.