Edith Heckman

Edith (Durbin) Heckman is Deanna's one and only sister. Edith was born in Manchester, England on the 27th of December, 1909.



Because of the age difference between the sisters, some people thought Edith was Deanna's mother when they were seen in public together.

Deanna was very close to her sister. In fact, that was the reason why Edna May chose a Christian name starting with "D" as a tribute to Edith who she called "Dee Dee" from a very early age. In turn, Edith called Deanna, "Eggnog" which is a whole other story.

This is a photo of Edith greeting Deanna on her return from a trip to the east coast dated the 2nd of April 1938:

Edith was the first to believe that her little sister had the natural talent to become an opera singer.

Little Edna May would sing Pal Of My Cradle Days as Edith played the piano.

James Durbin didn't have the money to pay for singing lessons, so Edith used her money instead!

Edna May started her singing lessons in 1932 at the Ralph Thomas Academy.

PAL OF MY CRADLE DAYS

What a friend what a pal only now I can see
How you dreamed and you planned all for me
I never knew what a mother goes through
There's nothing that you didn't do

Pal of my cradle days I've needed you always
Since I was a baby upon your knee
You sacrificed everything for me
I stole the gold from your hair
I put the silver threads there
I don't know any way I could ever repay
Pal of my cradle days

Greatest friend dearest pal
It was me who caused you
Every sorrow and heartache you knew
Your face so fair I have wrinkled with care
I placed every line that is there

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Edith Durbin was married to Clarence Heckman on the 27th of June, 1936 at the Robertson Boulevard Community Church. Clarence was a bank official. They grew up in the same neighbourhood and went to the same schools.

Deanna sang Because at the wedding.

The reception was held at the Women's Club of Culver City.

Deanna's pet name for Clarence was "Clarency" - just for fun!

Edith majored in Education and English at UCLA.



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Edith had a son called Richard and Deanna was crazy about him!

Deanna would call Richard "Dickie" and in turn Richard would call her "Old Aunt" - but Deanna wasn't keen about that name!

Deanna entertaining Dickie in her Brentwood home:

Deanna loved to read stories to Dickie:




NOTE: The book Deanna is reading to Dickie is called "It's Smart To Be People" by George Price (1942).

This photo of Deanna & Dickie was taken in September of 1943:

Deanna gives Dickie a piano lesson:

Deanna takes Dickie for a ride on her back:

Edith also had a daughter called Lois Elainen seen here with Deanna:

Sad to say, there was a property dispute between Deanna and Edith which wound up in court, but the real quarrel was between the male members of the family.

The assertion was that for some time Clarence Heckman had been acting as Deanna Durbin's business manager and that it was in that capacity he suggested the Brentwood house be placed in his name in order to ease the singer's tax burden. Deanna agreed and deeded the house to the Heckmans on the 5th of June, 1945, with the understanding they would hold it in trust for her. It wasn't until the 1st of may, 1946, when Deanna removed Clarence Heckman as her business manager, that she found in his records that he had transferred the house from her accounts to his. Deanna then demanded the return of the property, but on the 7th of May, the Heckmans caused the house to be transferred to Paul & Marguerite Trousdale who were included as defendants in the legal action. The value of the house was $150,000, but the Heckmans sold it to the Trousdales for only a $110,000 ($15,000 payable in cash and with a trust deed for the remaining $95,000).

Deanna did everything possible to heal the family breach because of her genuine love for Edith.

The last residence of Edith Heckman in Glendale, California: