Camille M. Heim

Camille M. Heim, of Lewiston, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Elderwood at Lockport Nursing Facility, surrounded by the quiet grace that defined her life. She was 76.

Born in Buffalo, NY, Camille was the cherished daughter of the late Boleslaus "Bob" and Florence (née Gabryel) Bracikowski. She attended Nardin Academy and Rosary Hill College, where she cultivated a lifelong love of learning and service. On April 17, 1985, she married Donald L. Heim in the Town of Tonawanda, beginning a 40-year journey of love, partnership, and quiet joy.

Camille dedicated her professional life to supporting others, working as a Medical Secretary for physicians in private practice and at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine. After relocating to Lewiston in 1996, she continued her commitment to community through part-time work at the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce.

Her kind and compassionate spirit touched countless lives. Camille was deeply involved with the Historic Lewiston Museum and the Lewiston Beautification Committee, where she shared her love of gardening and nature. Her artistry and care were nationally recognized in 2001 when her home and garden were featured on the television program *Secret Gardens of Niagara*—a proud moment that reflected her devotion to cultivating beauty.

Camille’s heart belonged to animals, especially the beloved dogs she and Donald raised together. Their home was a sanctuary of wagging tails and gentle eyes, filled with unconditional love. She nurtured each dog with tenderness, treating them not just as pets, but as cherished family. She also found peace in the company of birds, often watching them with quiet reverence from her garden or window.

Her faith was a guiding light. As a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, Camille found deep fulfillment in visiting elderly members in their homes and hospitals, offering comfort, companionship, and spiritual care. She expressed her love through service—always with grace and humility.

Camille embraced creativity in every corner of her life. Her elegant fashion sense, adventurous cooking, and appreciation for history and storytelling were hallmarks of her vibrant spirit. She delighted in experimenting with recipes, turning everyday meals into expressions of joy. Her portrayal of Margaret Fleming, the original owner of her historic 1861 home, in a community play celebrating Lewiston’s 19th-century heritage, reflected her passion for honoring the past.

She will be remembered for her warmth, wit, and unwavering generosity. Camille’s legacy lives on in the gardens she nurtured, the animals she adored, the stories she told, and the lives she enriched.

Camille was predeceased by her parents and her caring brother, Robert Bracikowski. She is survived by her beloved husband of 40 years, Donald; her dear siblings Gregory (Karen) Bracikowski, Barbara (Michael) Loftus, and Mark Bracikowski; and her cherished nieces and nephews: Allison, Rachel, Caitlin, Rick, Don, Krista, and Kara.

Family will receive friends on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 5–7 PM at HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES, INC., 401 Ridge Street, Lewiston. A private interment will follow at Riverdale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Camille’s honor to:

- First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston

- Historic Lewiston Museum

- Lewiston Beautification Committee

- Lewiston Council of the Arts

- Lewiston Fire Company #1

Please share condolences at HARDISONFUNERALHOMES.com