Laurel Elaine (Sutton) Heyman

Dr. Laurel E. Heyman

January 2, 1941 – February 6, 2021

Dr. Laurel Elaine Heyman, 80, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2021.

Laurel was born on January 2, 1941 in Elrama, Pennsylvania to Larry and Margaret (Parsons) Sutton. She is the second of four daughters. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio in 1962 and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio in 1966.

Laurel married Duane Heyman on August 3, 1968 and they had one daughter. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, she was a professor of chemistry and math at Owens Technical College for 30 years. When she retired, she became an amateur archeologist. During her second career, she helped with many digs, including ones at Johnson’s Island in Ohio and in Belize. She also helped establish the River Raisin National Battlefield in Monroe, Michigan and was a volunteer at the Monroe County Historical Museum where she spent countless hours categorizing archeological artifacts. Laurel always had a camera close by because loved taking pictures, especially of her family and friends, flowers and places that she visited. She and Duane traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world, visiting more than 65 countries on all 7 continents where she attempted to capture every aspect of the country by taking thousands of photos. Laurel didn’t have one favorite place. Instead, her favorite place was the last place that she visited.

Laurel also had a life-long love of music that she got from her mother. Laurel spent her childhood playing piano and dancing. In college, she sang with the Mount Union choir. She continued singing as a member of the Christ Lutheran Church choir for almost 40 years and as a member of the Monroe County Community College Agora Chorale. She and Duane had season tickets to the Toledo Opera and the Toledo Symphony Orchestra for more than 30 years.

Laurel’s adventures were cut short by Alzheimer’s. As her disease progressed, she was comforted by the company of her family and caregivers, and her continued love for music.

Laurel is survived by her daughter, Paula Heyman, sisters Evie Thompsen and Darla Hoagland and nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by her husband, Duane Heyman, sister Marlene (Sutton) Moore and brother-in-law, Glen Heyman.

Visitation is on Saturday, February 27 from 9 am to 1 pm at Rupp Funeral Home, 2345 S. Custer Rd., Monroe, MI 48161. A memorial service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 225 E. Elm Ave., Monroe, MI 48162 at 2 pm on Saturday, February 27. Due to COVID, masks must be worn and only 50 people will be able to attend the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association and the Monroe County Historical Museum are suggested.

Words of comfort and condolences to the family may be made through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.