Ann Heiss
Ann Heiss
Ann Moran Heiss, age 96, of Danvers and formerly of Dalton and Pittsfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026. Ann was born on Long Island, New York, the beloved daughter of Edward and Martha Moran, and the cherished sister of her late brothers, Edward and John.
The sudden passing of her father at age 42 required Ann to enter the workforce immediately after graduating from Lynbrook High School, rather than pursuing her plans for college. In 1952, while working as a secretary in New York City, she was introduced to her future husband, Everett Heiss, of Queens Village, New York. They were married in 1954, lived briefly in Detroit, Michigan, and then settled in the Berkshires when Everett began his career with Berkshire Life Insurance Company in Pittsfield. They raised their three children in nearby Dalton and later moved to Pittsfield.
Ann was a devoted mother, a Camp Fire Girls leader, and a communicant of St. Agnes Church in Dalton. Once her children were in school full-time, she began working as a teacher’s aide at Dalton Junior High School. Approaching the age of 40, she made the decision to pursue her long-held dream of higher education. She graduated 1930-2026
from Berkshire Community College and later North Adams State College with honors, earning her teaching degree. Ann went on to work in the Pittsfield and Cheshire school systems as a Reading Specialist. In later years, she also obtained her real estate license, assisting clients and friends throughout the Berkshires.
Ann was known for her great sense of humor and her generous, kind heart. She rooted for the underdog, was quick to laugh, and took joy in writing thoughtful notes to those she loved. She and Everett shared a love of music and dancing, especially as members of the Votre Soirée dance group, where they gathered monthly with close friends. They also enjoyed traveling throughout the US in their RV, exploring several national parks.
Ann’s compassion was evident in her actions—whether bringing gifts to a family displaced by a Christmas house fire, volunteering at a hospital gift shop, or helping Spanish-speaking workers adjust to new jobs by assisting with English. She was an active member of the philanthropic educational organization P.E.O., supporting women in their pursuit of education.
Ann and Everett built a life rich in friendship and community, both in the Berkshires and in Florida, where they spent 26 winters. Together, they celebrated more than 71 years of marriage.
Ann is survived by her devoted husband, Everett; her beloved children and their spouses: Barbara (Robert Goodwill), Susan McDermott (Robert), and Brian (Sydney); her grandchildren and their spouses, Sara McDermott (Jon McManus), Jeff McDermott (Kristen), Emily Heiss, and Anna Heiss; and her two great-grandchildren, Annie and Claire McDermott, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday May 5, 2026 at 11 am at St. Agnes Church, Main Street Dalton, celebrated by Rev. Brian Mc-Grath. Burial will follow in Pittsfield Cemetery. Receiving hour will be held at the church beginning at 10:15.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to: Care Dimensions of Danvers c/o Dery Funeral Home 54 Bradford St. Pittsfield MA 01201
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