Elaine Heist, 83, of Collegeville

Elaine (Marshman) Heist, 83, a long-time resident of Collegeville, PA, passed away peacefully at home on August 2, 2018. Her creative, award winning floral art had captivated countless visitors to the world famous Philadelphia Flower Show.

Until his death in 2014, her late husband Richard. H. Heist took great pride in her dedication for 48 years to the Norristown Garden Club in multiple roles including President from 2005-2007, and chair of the Holiday House Tour.

Elaine, the daughter of the late George Abbott Marshman and Evelyn Raudenbush ( Landes ) Marshman, is survived by her sons Mark C. Heist and Geoffrey Heist. She was devoted to Mark’s wife Theresa and her granddaughters, Olivia Laurel Heist, Hope Marie Chaney and Elizabeth Weitzel. Elaine is also survived by her sister, LaRone Marshman, along with many nieces and nephews. In addition she leaves behind a great friend and companion Quentin White.

A graduate of Norristown High School, Elaine developed her creative skills during years of study at the Barnes Foundation. Botanical arts and floral exhibits were her passions. Her displays at the Philadelphia Flower show were consistent ribbon winners. She was a frequent visitor to the Philadelphia Art Museum, Morris Arboretum, and Bryn Athen Cathedral grounds and gardens. A vibrant hostess, she brought the same imaginative flare to her culinary skills.

Elaine was a dedicated member of Central Schwenkfelder Church where she played an active role in Sunday school, floral distribution ministries, and working the Fresh Flower Booth at it’s country fair. She savored her memberships in the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and The Questers, and enjoyed art, jewelry, opera and fine dining. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Robert “Bobby” Marshman.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her memorial service at 11AM on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Central Schwenkfelder Church, 2111 S. Valley Forge Rd., Lansdale, PA, where family will receive friends beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be private. For those desiring, contributions may be made in her memory to Central Schwenkfelder Church. Arrangements are by the R. L. Williams, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. of Skippack, PA. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.RLWilliamsFuneralHome.com.