Carrie Jo (Taipalus) Heck, 56, passed away Thursday, August 27, 2026, at her home near Rockford. 

Born September 25, 1969, in Alma, Michigan, Carrie was the daughter of Jon & Clara (Poisson) Taipalus, who preceded her in death. 

She is survived by 2 daughters and a son: Teya Heck, Kara Heck and Anthony Heck, all of Rockford; a brother: Chris Taipalus of St. Louis, Michigan; and her former spouse: Michael Heck of Mendon.

Carrie had earned an Associate's Degree in Diesel / High Performance Technology from The University of Northwestern Ohio ( UNOH ) in Lima.

She was self-employed as a driver for Amish workers in the area. 

Carrie always expressed that life is about having fun.  She had a way of making people feel welcomed and comfortable to be themselves.  Teya, Kara, and Anthony would like to thank their mom for everything she did for them, and thank her for being such an amazing mom.  "We love you Carrie Jo". 

A Celebration of Carrie's Life will be held at Celina Bethany Church, 416 E. Wayne St., Celina,  at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026.  Pastor Josh Tissot will officiate.

A dinner will be served at the church immediately following services, and everyone attending is warmly invited to stay and share a meal with the family.

Contributions to The American Cancer Society may be made in memory of Carrie's own struggle with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. ( American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, or online at www.cancer.org )

Condolences can be shared with Carrie's family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Homes, of Celina and Mendon.