Nancy Heaton
Cromwell — Nancy Louise (Elofson) Heaton, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, in Cromwell. Nancy was born in New Britain, May 1, 1938, along with her twin sister Marie Anne. She was the daughter of Johan Albin Elofson and Dagny Svensson Elofson.
She attended local schools, graduating from New Britain Senior High School, Class of 1956. She attended New Britain General Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1959 as a registered nurse. She worked in various fields of nursing but chose her specialty as that of a nurse anesthetist, graduating from Duke University’s School for Nurse Anesthesia in 1965. After many years working at New Britain General Hospital, she finished her career at Mount Sinai Hospital in Hartford.
Nancy was predeceased by her parents: her twin sister, Marie: her brothers, Lars and Gunnar; her first husband, Joseph L. Gromak; and by her husband, Clifford C. Heaton Sr., whom she married in 1985. She leaves her son, Thomas J. Gromak; her stepdaughter, Dr. Wendy J. Toole; and her stepson, Clifford C. Heaton Jr. She also leaves two granddaughters, Erin and Jamie Toole; her sister-in-law, Joy Higgins; her beloved niece, Linda Marie; her nephew, Dennis Parzych; and nieces and nephews, Karin, Sara, David and Eric and their children. Lastly, she leaves numerous relatives in Sweden, some very dear friends, and her wonderful cats and birds. Nancy loved animals and devoted much of her life to taking care of stray cats, many of whom she took in and gave a good, loving home.
Nancy’s motto in life was “to do well in life, whatever you do, do it well or don’t do it at all.” She lived by this in her work and in everything she did. “My life was very busy, fulfilled and unique.”
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 22, at Covenant Living of Cromwell Events Center, 101 West St., Cromwell. Light refreshments will follow. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to Our Companions Animal Rescue, 34 Sanrico Drive, Manchester, CT 06042 or your own personal favorite animal shelter. Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain, is assisting with arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com.