Parting is Sweet Sorrow for Residents of 62927: Postmaster Anna Heape Retires
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Friends and family brought in a couple bouquets of flowers, some cupcakes and cookies to mark the retirement of Dowell Postmaster Anna Heape.
"I didn't want any fuss," Heape said. "I said no fuss, no frills."
The close-knit community of about 500 people decided a little fuss was in order.
Heape began her career with the Postal Service as a Postmaster relief worker in Dowell in February 1989. She worked Saturdays and whenever she was needed as relief for then-Postmaster Theresa Wolfe.
The Postmaster position in Oraville opened. Heape interviewed and was hired. She worked in Oraville for 15 years. The Oraville Post Office, which was located in an antique store has since closed. There were around 50 residents in Oraville and the Post Office was only open until noon each day.
She spent her free afternoons watching the Dowell Postmaster work to learn the ins and outs of the job.
When the Postmaster position in Dowell opened seven years ago, Heape was happy to come back home.
"There are a lot of Morgans, Van Zandts, Smiths and Cobins," Heape said. "I knew some of them, but didn't always know who they were married to or what their kids names were."
It took a few weeks, but she knows pretty much everyone now and it shows.
"Some days I don't get much work done," she said. "People love to tell you everything. I just stand here and listen."
She adds that some of the unsolicited information she receives is hilarious.
Prior to working for the Postal Service, Heape was a stay-at-home mother for 18 years. Before marrying and starting her family, she worked in several restaurants in Du Quoin and cleaned houses.
As one of 11 children, it seemed perfectly natural to have a large family. All told, Heape has 10 children and step-children, 23 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren with three more on the way.
She has lived in Dowell since 1976 and considers the community her home. She and husband Donald Heape are downsizing their home, but will remain in Dowell.
"You couldn't ask for a better job than the Postal Service. I love the people. I love the work. I'm just tired. I just want to go fishing," she said. "And spend time with my husband, clean the house and do the stuff retired people do."