Mrs. Sallie Irene M. Heaven, 86, of Woodbury died Thursday July 15th at The Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven surrounded by her family. She was the widow of Norman Heath Francis Heaven.
Sallie was born February 26, 1924 in Flushing, New York daughter of the late James R. and Helen (Willard) Marshall. Through the years, Sallie delighted in regaling family, friends and anyone who would listen, with stories of her father, a Broadway actor, dancer and singer. Among the musicals in which he appeared were, "Maytime", "Buddies" and "No No Nanette". Her mother was talented at petit point embroidery and her work was commissioned by the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, St. Thomas Church in New York and St. Paul's Church in Woodbury. Early on, Sallie's mother became interested in writing and produced several scenarios for the early Jackie Coogan movies when he appeared as "The Kid". Sallie's great grandfather, Charles Hermany was a highly respected Civil Engineer from Louisville, Kentucky, who engineered the model for water filtration systems used throughout the country.
Sallie moved to Woodbury in 1946 and met Norman Heaven, who would become the love of her life. They were married May 27, 1950 at Sugar Brook Farm in Woodbury and were married for 47 years. She was a member of the Junior League of Greater Waterbury, was a Girl Scout leader and served on the Board of the Girls Club of Waterbury (Girls Inc). She was a member of the Pomperaug Valley Garden Club for over 50 years, a member of the Pomperaug Water Shed Coalition, and Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust, Inc. She was a lifelong devotee of the opera, relished the art form and became a patron of the New York City Metropolitan Opera.
Perhaps as a tribute to her forbearers, Sallie Irene was born with an extraordinary creative ability, an intellectual curiosity and a real hunger to learn. An avid gardener and floral arranger, she was a lifetime member of the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. and National Council Master Judge. She was also a lifetime member of the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut and past President of the Pomperaug Valley Garden Club and was bestowed the honor of being an honorary member.
Sallie's abundant talent led her to create a true work of art, her miniature doll house. Featuring her handmade intricate furnishings, from wooden furniture to her small needlepoint rugs to tiny replicas of family photos adorning the walls, the doll house was even electrified by Sallie's own doing. Her creative talents did not stop there, as Sallie was famous for her culinary artistry and her reputation as a gracious hostess with exacting standards.
Sallie is survived by her five children, thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild including Norma Heaven of Woodbury; Marshall Heaven and his wife Mary Ann of Greenwich and their children Matthew, Mary and Alexandra Irene; Charles Heaven and his wife Laura of Woodbury and their children James, Emily, Jonathan and Gabrielle; Sallie Smith and her husband Curt of Middlebury and their children, Charlotte, Annie and Benjamin and James Heaven and his wife Judy of Fairhaven, MA and their children, Christopher, Katy Ann, her husband Bradford, Julie and her son, Noah. She was predeceased by her sister Mary Marshall Dysinger.

Memorials: Memorial contributions can be made to Pomperaug Valley Garden Club of Woodbury, c/o Kathy Prior, 407 Flanders Rd. and the oil fund for St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 294 Main St. South Woodbury 06798.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Woodbury

Services: A memorial service will be held on Tuesday July 20th at 10am at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Woodbury.

Visitation: There are no calling hours.