Our Welcome Wagon Is Going Home: A Tribute to Nina DeTorres Heck

February 8, 2026 — As many have heard, Paulina Dawn Heck — affectionately known as Nina — passed away on Wednesday evening. She leaves behind a husband, seven boys, and an army of grandchildren.

A pillar in the community, she moved to St. George almost 30 years ago — long before it became an area of mass migration. As people poured into the community, Nina was often the first person many of them met. And if you accepted her invitation of friendship, it was an acceptance into the family.

Hundreds have already reached out sharing memories of barbecues, pool parties, days at the lake, and camping trips. People had affectionate nicknames for her, but many simply knew her as "sister" or "Mom."

If she was in your circle, she was your fiercest advocate. She pushed you to do things you didn't believe you could do, and when you accomplished them, she'd push you to do more.

She loved this community, often bragging about how it had two of the best Chambers in the country. She was extremely proud when St. George was named one of the best cities in the United States.

Nina was my aunt, my God mother, my second mother. As a kid, when things were bad at home, I always had a bed at hers. She's the one responsible for my work ethic. I remember the paper route she got me when I was eight, tagging along with her to the Thrifty Nickel, driving around meeting clients. She paid my cousins and me to deliver flyers all over Salt Lake. She adopted two of my cousins, fostered others, and opened her door to anyone who had nowhere else to go. Everyone who knew her either called her mom or a second sister. She was the glue in our family — the one we called for advice, the one we called when the world was on fire.

I say all of that because what's remarkable is that I'm not special in this. Hundreds of people feel the exact same way. That was Nina.

In Her Own People's Words

Since her passing, the tributes have poured in — and they all paint the same picture of a woman who made everyone around her feel like family.

Her close friend Splendor Sargent has launched a campaign in Nina's honor with the hashtag #LoveLikeNina, calling on the community to carry her legacy forward. "My little Mama had the biggest heart," Splendor wrote — using the affectionate nickname that spoke to the depth of their bond. "Most selfless, consistent, encouraging, supportive and full of LOVE human. I know everyone she ever met will feel the same."

Amy McAllister, Nina's close friend, said it plainly. "You were the pillar. The rock. The glue. The light. The love," she wrote. "You didn't compete — you collaborated. You lifted everyone around you, believed in them before they believed in themselves, and championed everyone's dreams like they were your own." They shared years of adventures together — working at a radio station, trips to Vegas, birthday lunches, making vision boards, and chasing every business endeavor side by side. "You were sunshine, moonlight, the brightest stars, and PURE GOLD wrapped in one," Amy wrote. "You made us all fly higher."

Breanne Cole, a friend of 22 years, said it best. "You loved hard. You gave freely. You would do anything for those you held close or called a friend — and that kind of loyalty is rare," she wrote. "You made people feel seen, protected, and accepted exactly as they were. The world feels quieter without you in it."

My cousin Lori White said what so many in the family felt. "You went out of your way to make everyone feel loved," she wrote. "You made sure they knew you were their 'favorite Aunt Nina.' You remembered their birthdays, you supported them any way you could. You loved BIG."

Katie Hogan remembered Nina never letting a moment pass without lifting someone up. "Every time you were around you always made it a point to tell me either how loved I was, or how beautiful," she wrote. "A true light to this world that will be forever missed."

Kamie Hunter called Nina her biggest mentor. "You guided me through the start of my career, in purchasing a home, and showed me success is in the people you love and help," she said. "You loved so strongly and I'm forever grateful to be someone you loved so much."

Carrying It Forward

The common thread in every tribute is unmistakable: Nina DeTorres Heck didn't just live in this community. She built it — one relationship, one open door, one fierce act of love at a time. She was the welcome wagon, the cheerleader, the second mother, the late-night phone call, the one who believed in you before you believed in yourself.

St. George lost a cornerstone this week. But the foundation she poured into this community — into hundreds of lives — isn't going anywhere.

#LoveLikeNina

Services

For those wishing to say goodbye, a celebration of life will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hughes Mortuary on Friday, February 13th.

On Saturday, February 14th, mass will be held at St. George Catholic Church from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Tonaquint Cemetery.

Official obituary: View at Hughes Mortuary

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