(1942-2014. Not long enough.)
Heather was our mom. She spoke softly in a voice that echoed. She had us three boys in her twenties and felt lucky to adopt three daughters a little later in life. Constant and unwavering, she gave us everything and asked for little in return. She taught us ways of being: hard lessons because those ways meant discipline and giving, and these are not easy ways to live.
Heather was also a sister, an aunt, a grama, and a friend. She delighted in her extended family and in her friends. She knew the important details of everyone’s lives, listened closely but said little, and always made time. She was a strong, brave, tireless sister. She was an attentive, loving aunt. She was a devoted, involved grama. Our kids always returned home from a weekend with grama as different people: calmer, happier, more confident. And she could be many kinds of friend: caring, supportive, silly, Scotch-imbibing, dancing, and tree-swinging.
Heather did with conviction what she thought to be right, whether it was painting behind the fridge, remembering EVERYONE’s birthday, or living her minimalist lifestyle. She approached her cancer with the same quiet, humble, steadfast strength and dignity: fighting battles she might win, accepting what she could not control. Until the very end she has been the same stoic permanence, and lived a life that will be remembered always.
Friends will be received by the family on Sunday afternoon, November 2nd from 1 until the Service for Heather at 2 o’clock at the Cattel, Eaton & Chambers Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.
Our deepest condolences on your loss. We are thinking of you all during your time of mourning. Love the Clays
Our sympathy to you boys and your families. I was a classmate of your Mom’s at St. Joes here in North Bay. I still remember us getting our ears pierced in the back room of the O.R. with a #18 needle by one of the CSR staffers. Our mutual friend Peggy had come back from vacation with hers pierced so we had to do ours too. The thing that we had to do was hide our ears under our O.R. hats so the Sisters wouldn’t see them. We spent many a night on call together too. We always enjoyed our time together at our reunions and we all missed your Mom at our 50th. Our love to you all.
Remembering Happy times with Heather, great nurse, friend and person. Gone too soon! Your friend, Becky M.
Heather was one of our Charge Nurses at McMaster ER. No matter the circumastances coming through the doors Heather was always calm, collected and handled each emergency with ease. You would never see her stress, on occasion she would flash a coy smile and she was always very pleasant and soft spoken. Patients could fondly identify with her because of her approachability and genuine nature. She was one of our favorites and although we lost touch during the years I have never forgotten the lessons she has taught me. It doesn’t surprise me at all what had been written abovee by her loved ones who described her perfectly – humble, dignified and stoic. That was “our Heather” and she will sadly be missed by everyone who had the opportunity to have encoutered her kind and loving soul. She will be missed dearly by all the old crew of nurses at McMaster who have since moved on to other sites – but in doing so have never forgotten their friend and fellow charge nurse.
Sincerely,
Sarah R.
Although I did not know Heather long, I found her to be a truly beautiful person! So sorry for your loss, may she rest in peace.
Very Sincerely,
Louann
Her Molly Maid Cleaner
Sean, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. You and Shauna and your families have been through a lot in the last little while. Know that we are thinking of you and you are in our prayers.
Mary and Gene and family.
Words escape me at this time of sadness. Heather was a true friend and my mentor in the years we worked together at MUMC ER. I would describe her as unflappable. No matter what the situation, she would handle it with the utmost professionalism and grace. In life Heather handled her daily living in the same manner. Her three lovely boys are proof of this. Family meant the world to her.
I will miss our chats on the phone, and lunches with the old gang. Her quiet yet strong presence will be missed by all.
Love to all the family,
Susan Robinson.
Sean, Jeff and Peter please accept my heart felt sympathies in the loss of your mom. She was a great lady who raised 3 great men that I know she is very proud of. Treasure your memories of her. Thinking of you all.
Mrs Stu. You were the mom to the whole York road gang.We always knew we welcome to visit any time.I can still picture the house we called our other home.hope to see all the Stuarts again. Sean,Jeff and Peter. What a remarkably intelligent family
Miss you Mrs Stuart. Your other son Rich
‘Fearless’ has been a major influence in who I became as a nurse. I remember all the skills that I learned, watching and seeking advice from Heather. But there was the fun. Heather had great Hallowe’en costumes. There were the water fights and gags. If Heather was on the desk, those long 12 hour shifts went a lot faster and smoother, and a were lot more fun.
Last time I saw Heather is when she came and stayed at my place after I moved to Nova Scotia.
I have thought fondly of those days at MUMC ER many times.
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Roger Pulver
I knew your mom since my first day as a co-op student in MUMC ER in 1992. I liked her the moment I met her. As time went on and I was employed there, I got to know her better. The first thing I always checked at the beginning of a shift was who the nurse in charge for that shift was. If it was Heather, it would be a good shift come what may. I remember she even came to my wedding ceremony in 1996 and brought a gift, she was always generous. As the years slipped away and we all went our separate ways, some of my fondest memories are from the MUMC ER crew of which your mom was front and centre. Our paths crossed within the last couple of years, I had no idea she was ill, but then she never drew attention to herself. Your mom was an extraordinary person, I’m truly sorry for your loss. Everyone who knew her was better for it.
Kind regards,
Anita (aka Anemia as she so fondly used to call me)
A most beautiful tribute to such a beautiful person in your lives. Heartfelt condolences to the entire family for such a great loss.
I too was one of the lucky people who had the chance to work with Heather, our Fearless leader at MUMuC ER. She was a calming presence and a great nurse. She was so respected by her peers. Kind and caring always. You will be missed Heather.
Heather was my Charge Nurse at MUMC ER when I started nursing in 1997 as a brand new grad. I was so fortunate to have some great collegues to learn from, and Heather, our “Fearless”, was no exception. Heather happily instilled her knowledge, wit and calm demeanor, the skills, that to this day live on in those she taught the gentle art of nursing, and how to remain sane doing so. The key, laugh, to the point of tears, its good for the soul. I will always remember Heather with a smile, greatful to have known her. She will be missed.
Heather we will miss your confidence & quiet manner. The way we would meet infrequently but always felt comfortable in conversation. What a lovely Lady. Jean class of 64.
Heather was a nursing classmate of mine at St. Jos in North Bay . We spent 3 long years together and I remember so well her always being on top of things, adapt, intuitive, bright, challenging and laughing….. her smile was infectious, I used to envy her self confidence and easy manner with people… she was sadly missed at our reunion this year ,but gave us the opportunity to talk about our experiences with her. My deepest sympathy to all her family and friends…. may you find the peace of heart to move on…. Sally MacDonell
Was very sad to hear the news about Heather. She was a very hard working, compassionate, caring nurse.
I know she will be missed by many.
Rest in Peace!
Heather
L.Stone
Aunt Heather will be greatly missed…. what a wonderful lady. I will always remember how calm she was when my brothers and I and her boys would get into trouble. She had a wonderful outlook on life, and behalf of my family, I’d like to send our sincere condolences to Sean, Jeff, and Peter. Your mom was a special person!
My sympathies to Sean, Jeff, Peter and the rest of the family. I worked with your mom for decades at MUMC ER. She was always calm and kind but with a deadly sense of humour. Nobody could quietly swear under her breath like Heather. My favourite memory of her is at one of our rowdier ER parties climbing a tree and jumping into a swimming pool. I remember many smokes shared with Heather on the “lanai” at MUMC ER. I think the expression only the good die young really applies here. Marie Nourse (Barlow) Seguin, Ontario
Our “Miss Congeniality”, always looking on the bright side! Your Mom will be missed by the Class of ’64.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved mother. I was in her nursing class of ’64 at Saint Joseph’s hospital in North Bay. I remember her to be a very happy spirited, funny, compassionate lady and friendly to all her classmates. She will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy for the lose of your Mom, a wonderful classmate at St Josephs in North Bay, class of 64. I always enjoyed the many reunions held and we all did miss her at the recent 50th celebration but we certainly kept her in our thoughts and prayers. During the 3 years of training, I always remembered Heather full of energy and always smiling. She was a great classmate (and one of the smartest in the class!) Love and prayers to all of her family. Marilyn Worthy (Casey)
Jeff, Sean, Peter and families, condolences on your loss! Our thoughts are with you this weekend in the celebration of your mother’s life! Trevor Allen and family, Ottawa
I will miss heather she was a great friend in nursing training tok me to her mothers house many times for suppera great classmate of the 1964 class my condolecence to the family
November 1,2014
I first met Heather in High school but we really got together in training (class of 64).
Heather was President of our class and I was Vice President. She has always been a strong leader and super nurse.
She was surely missed at our 50 reunion and a great loss to our nursing class.
Our deepest condolence to the family. May God bless you all.
I mostly had the pleasure of seeing Heather in “Grandma” mode with Savannah and Ben – the quintessential Grandma! Such an elegant and charming woman. Our sympathy for your loss.
Heather was such an inspiration to me over the 3 years of training @ St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Our families went back to when Harold-her dad was my dad’s boss on the Ontario Northland Railway!
What a brave lady who we really missed @ our reunion this year.
My thoughts are with you.
Linda Snyder Stevens
Heather was one of the best nurses I have worked with over my 30 year career. Always calm,easy going and the best sense of humour, even during the most chaotic ER shifts. I learned so much from her.
Condolences to the family.
Betty Kennah
Gary asked about Heather every day…
Your Mother’s Touch
Tummy hugs before birth when baby’s heartbeat begins
One extra pat with lotion after bath that soothes her wee one’s soft skin
A hand on the shoulder to steady a new bike owner
Reassurance always when the path gets rocky & frightening
Guidance as knowledge advances
Unhesitating hugs of acceptance for new loves
Unwavering unfailing in her lifetime
You will feel your mother’s touch for your lifetime
Love,
Doreen Clay
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today, I will always have fond memories of Heather, she was a mentor to many people and I was one of them. I always admired her composure even in the midst of the worst day possible in our ER and Heather always kept her cool and helped things to run as smoothly as possible. She was a very kind, caring and gentle woman. I have things that I have learned from Heather and have tried my best to incorporate them into my care and continue to use. You were an incredible lady and I know you will be missed by many xoxo.
Nancy Bourque