Anita Louise Heffernan, 82, passed from this life on October 6, 2022.

Anita was born January 16, 1940 in Sault Ste. Marie Michigan to Rev. Verner T. Matson, and Ruth G. (Peterson) Matson. She graduated from Denfeld High School, Duluth Minnesota, in 1958. She attended Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter Minnesota, before meeting Rodney George Heffernan, her husband of 57 years. They were married October 7, 1961. Together, they moved to Morton IL and raised three children. In 1991, they returned to Minnesota, moving to Woodbury.

Anita's calling was serving God, her family and others with delight and excellence through music and Scripture. She enjoyed worshiping God and ministering to others through music; singing and playing cello in church, in chorales, orchestras and ensembles throughout her life. In Morton Illinois, she co-created and led the confirmation class and led many women's Bible study groups at Advent Lutheran Church. Returning to Woodbury Minnesota, she worshipped and served at King of Kings Lutheran church and was a well-loved leader in Bible Study Fellowship for nearly thirty years. She never wavered in her determination to live a life of humility and sacrifice in order to love God and others selflessly. She leaves a legacy of love and faith to her precious family. We rejoice that she is finally with her Savior, Jesus Christ, but her loving kindness, ready laughter and sparkling smile will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Anita is survived by her brother, Theodore (Margaret) Matson, Alberta CA; her three children, Carolyn (Mike) Guebert, Upland IN; Paula (Brian) Redin, San Luis Obispo CA, and Rev. Kevin (Carol) Heffernan, Oshkosh WI.; and eight grandchildren, Alyssa Golder, Emily Guebert, Davis Guebert, James Guebert, Ian Redin, Sean Redin, Eavie Heffernan, and Roman Heffernan. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Adrian Matson.

A memorial Service will be held October 15, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. in King of Kings Lutheran Church, Woodbury MN, with Rev. Jon Larson attending. Visitation is 11 a.m., one hour prior to the service, with a family luncheon immediately following the service. Burial will be at a later date next to Rod at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

The memorial service will be livestreamed at: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/worship/

Cards may be mailed to Carolyn Guebert, 659 W. Harsax Dr., Upland IN, 46989.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Dr. Woodbury MN 55125 https://pushpay.com/g/kingofkingslutheranchurch,

Bible Study Fellowship International

https://www.bsfinternational.org/support/memorials-and-honorarium/