Laura E. Akhtar of Lincoln University, PA

Laura E. Akhtar, 54, of Lincoln University, PA passed away at home on Sunday, October 8, 2017, after a courageous 3-year battle with cancer.

She was born in Scranton, PA, the daughter of Joan (Petcavage) Heckman and the late Russell H. Heckman.

She was educated in the Scranton Catholic school system, graduating from Bishop Hannan High School. She received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education from West Chester University.

She was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in West Grove, where she served as a lector and previously taught religious education.

Laura is survived by her husband of 23 years, Jamshed Akhtar and her children, Lily, Sophie and James, who were her greatest joy. She actively participated in all of their school and extracurricular activities and was always there to cheer them on.

She is also survived by a sister, Mary Frances Malatesta and husband, Neil of Scranton; niece and goddaughter, Jennifer Williams of Scranton; stepdaughter, Chaunte Scrafford of Coatesville; her lifelong friend, Jane Scriptunas of West Chester; aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends and her beloved dogs, Daisy and Lucy.

She was preceded in death by her father, Russell H. Heckman, a brother, Russell J. Heckman, great nephew, Nathan Williams and in-laws, Khushi Mohammad & Nusrat Ara.

Laura’s smiling face and exuberant personality will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 13, at Assumption BVM Church, 300 State Road, West Grove, PA 19390.

Visitation will be held at 9:30 until 10:45AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Love for Laura fundraiser at https:// www.youcaring.com/ lily sophie and jimmy aktar-970820

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.foundsfuneralhome.com