Katherine Schwing Heitman

New Iberia - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at St. Peter Catholic Church in New Iberia for Katherine Schwing Heitman, 60, who passed away on Monday, November 6, 2017, after battling Diabetes for 53 years. A gathering of family and friends will be at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia from 9:00 AM until 1:30 PM on Saturday. A Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 AM. Rev. Keith Landry will be the Celebrant. Interment will be at a later date. A loving wife, sister, daughter and friend, Katherine was born in New Iberia, Louisiana on February 22, 1957. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Therapy, and her Master's Degree in Elementary Education, and retired from the Iberia Parish School Board after 26 years of being a compassionate teacher. Known as "Nanny" by all of her nieces and nephews, Kathy gave selflessly and loved unconditionally. She was a wonderful person who respected her parents, and never judged anyone. Kathy was a talented decorator, and loved all things Mardi Gras. She made beautiful Christmas ornaments out of Mardi Gras beads. She enjoyed all holidays; especially Christmas. She left her Christmas tree up year round so she could decorate it for all of the holidays. Despite her debilitating disease, the simplest things in life brought her the most joy. Kathy had a big heart and loving spirit, and she will be deeply missed. Kathy is survived by her loving husband and high-school sweetheart, Mark Heitman; father, Pierre Schwing, Sr. of New Iberia. sisters, Elizabeth Schwing Sztroin of Lafayette, and Christine Schwing Cox and husband David Bruce Cox of Houston; a brother, Pierre Schwing, Jr. and wife Miriam Smith Schwing of New Iberia; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Katherine "Kitty" Conrad Schwing. Memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Association, 9457 Brookline Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809. Pellerin Funeral Home of New Iberia, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560, (337-365-3331) is in charge of arrangements.