Ms. Katherine Gail Heinen's Obituary
Katherine Gail Gillespie Heinen was born in the coal mining area of southwest Virginia on January 24, 1937. She passed away on September 5, 2023, after a brave battle with cancer.
Thanks to the dedication of their parents, Gail and her two brothers, Richard and Earl, graduated from college and enjoyed fulfilling careers. Gail earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Lincoln Memorial University, a school which both she and her brother continue to support. She spent the first four years of her career in Kansas City, then moved to Dallas in 1961 to become one of the very early, professional women in technology at Texas Instruments. In her 35 years at TI, she treasured the continuous opportunities for growth and leadership, and being able to travel the world with the company. Through her dedication and strong work ethic, in 1985, she was promoted to Senior Member of the Technical Staff and in 1997, was recognized as a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff. She was also granted multiple patents for her work in integrated circuits and after her retirement, continued to write patents for the company.
In 1964, Gail married John Heinen in Dallas. They had one daughter, Kerry Heinen (Walker), whom they loved dearly and did everything to give her a beautiful life. Their small family took memorable road trips - and in those times, learned some things about Gail... she would not drive across the Royal Gorge bridge, thanks to her fear of heights ... but she loved taking in the beauty of nature. The Heinens shared years of memories at the old Burgundy house, including hosting countless holiday and summer gatherings for family and friends. Gail was an excellent cook, although she'd never admit it.
Gail and John both had long and very rewarding careers, Gail at Texas Instruments and John, at the company he built, Amersol. In their spare time, they loved to travel together, spending time in Aspen, Ruidosa, Palm Springs - and anywhere they could bring their golf clubs. After John and Gail retired, they moved to Lake Whitney where they enjoyed a wonderful community of friends, golfing and fellowship through the White Bluff Chapel.
In 2003, they happily welcomed son-in-law Jim Walker to the family. They could always depend on Jim when they needed something - and could always count on him for lots of laughs. In 2005, Gail and John's only granddaughter was born - Madeline Kate Walker. She quickly became the apple of their eye. "Gigi and Grandpa" loved having her visit them at Lake Whitney for Vacation Bible School and long weekends spent strolling through the community and watching the wildlife, especially the deer. Gigi loved these special times with Madeline and didn't hesitate to take her out in a golf cart, visit the children's museum or spend hours in the pool.
Before John's passing in 2012, Gail and John moved back to Dallas to be closer to family and his doctors. After his death, Gail moved to Addison and stayed active through golf, walking the trails in her neighborhood, taking a painting class (she was quite good!) and engaging in bible studies and book clubs. She loved looking after her "granddog" Emmalee Walker whenever she could. They were great friends! Gail made friends in her new area of town, but also maintained many longtime friendships - not the least of which were with her brothers, who she could spend hours chatting with on the phone.
Gail cared deeply for the people around her and wanted to give generously to the causes important to her. She set up a scholarship fund to help students in her hometown in Wise County, Virginia to get a college education. She also came up with the idea of a "legacy fund." Gail, Kerry and Madeline would all agree on a charity to support - and would give what they could (money and time) to a cause important to them. She wanted to role model the importance of giving back. As Gail battled cancer, she spent time in hospitals, rehab facilities and her assisted living community - and always worried that her caregivers were making too much of a fuss over her. Ask anyone who knows her, and they would tell you what a strong and kind woman she was.
Gail is preceded in death by her husband John Heinen, her parents John W. and Mabel Gillespie, mother-in-law Pauline Heinen, and is survived by her daughter Kerry Walker, son-in-law Jim Walker, granddaughter Madeline Walker, her brothers Richard Gillespie and Earl Gillespie, sister-in-law Sylvia Gillespie, sister-in-law Anne Muller and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 18 at 3:00 PM in the Sanctuary at Highland Park United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to one of the charities Gail supported:
Men of Nehemiah
Sandy Hook Promise Foundation
Ozark for All
Or please donate to a charity dedicated to finding a cure for cancer.
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