Jean Elizabeth Heard, 81, of New Kensington, passed away on Tuesday May 4, 2021, at Forbes Regional Hospital in Monroeville.

She was born on Monday Jan. 22, 1940, in Indiana, Pa., and was the daughter of the late Alfred H. and Martha Eleanor Dick Heard.

Jean was a member of the Saltsburg Presbyterian Church. Before her retirement, she was employed for over 30 years as a teacher at Knoch High School in Saxonburg.

Jean was a star athlete. She played field hockey, basketball and was an avid golfer. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Slippery Rock University for her achievements in women’s sports. Jean was credited for starting the girls volleyball team at Knoch High School. In 2019, she was Inducted into the Knoch High School Hall of Fame.

She is survived by two sisters; Nancy Zimmerman of Saltsburg and Marjorie Gordish; her husband, Alan of Pittsburgh, and nine nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Carol Newhouse in 2008.

Heard — At the request of Jean Elizabeth Heard, who died Tuesday May 4, 2021, all arrangements are private and have been entrusted to the Kelly L. Corridoni Funeral Home, 400 Indiana Ave. Avonmore, Pa .

To view and send online condolences visit us www.corridonifuneralhomes.com.