This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Heather died at the time of her choosing on Friday, July 19, surrounded by friends after a full life of stubbornly defying the odds. Losing her kidneys at age 19 she vowed not to be “one of those sick people.” She got an education that allowed her to have a successful career in the Office of the Attorney General where she made many lifelong friends. As one of the longest continuous dialysis patients in the world, her perseverance and ferocious management of her condition allowed her to have a life fuller than many “healthy” people. When it became obvious that complications would soon end her life, she was happy to discover that some of her organs were viable for donation. Ever wanting to give back, she used some of her precious final week being tested for donation. There will be no service since Heather spent her last few weeks laughing and meeting with friends and relatives and that is how she wishes to be remembered. Those of us who admired her courage and loved her spirit hope that her lungs give breath and her eyes sight to some who love life as much as she did. We will miss her straightforward and incisive observations, her sharp and often dark humour, and her complete inability ever to feel sorry for herself. To honour Heather please take the time to sign your organ donation card. Or be nice to dogs, whose loyalty and unconditional love Heather cultivated in order to build human bridges in her local community. Condolences received at www.MacCoubrey.com
Heather was always wiser than her years and could see through artifice immediately. Her insight and humour will be missed.
So many memories of Heather and how sweet a person she was. My sincere condolences, she will be missed by so many who had the blessing of knowing her! Graham Bradshaw
I was shocked and so sad to read Heather's obituary in The Globe and Mail. I think Heather may be the daughter of my Aunt Vera who passed away when we were children. My mother Olive (Sheridan) Garrod passed away a few years later. We lost all contact. I would love to connect with any family members. My deepest sympathy to all. Heather, from what I read was a remarkable woman.Sincerely, Martha Jane Garrod-Eavns (Janey)
Damn I didn’t get to say goodbye... to tell you how much I valued our friendship... how inspiring you were... how much I missed you.Good for you for leaving on your terms. This world took too much from you and you handled it with strength and determination.You were kind, generous, smart, loving, hilarious and a fantastic cook.I am a better person for knowing you.I’ll miss you Heather.My condolences to your family and friends.My deepest sympathies.
My deepest condolences to Heather's family and friends who comforted her in her final days. Through Mary Keenan, I learned of Heather's selfless gift of life and sight to others. My donor card is signed!!! Heaven has truly welcomed an angel.
So sorry to hear of Heathers passing
Rest in peace 5B. Love and miss you forever.Anne 5Axoxo
I did not know Heather, but what a warm and wonderful message she had for her end of life. I truly hope that her eyes and lungs continue to live on in someone else for many decades to come. Congratulations Heather on a well-lived life. My condolences to her family and friends.
Rest in Peace HeatherYou put up a good fightLove May & Eric Leslie: Chrysta & Rick White
You put your stamp on things. I'm glad to have known such a strong remarkable woman. Glad it was on your terms. We will cherish all the memories we have. Luca & Zoey bonded us forever. You're missed. Love Mark & Scott
I don’t know you. My wife asked me to read your obit. To me you sound like some one I wished I had known. To all of your friends, my condolences Peter
Heather was a wonderful person. Not sweet (which made her much more likeable for a bunch of lawyer) but honest and full of wisdom. I worked with her at CLB. Her love of animals was my favourite topic of conversation with her. She will be very missed. i hope she and Luka are together.
What an incredible life and gift .??
Heather was an inspiration to me for decades. She never complained and was ever the realist that she would not have a long life. But she fought hard to make sure she had as much "good" life as possible. That to-the-point realism is rare in this world and I could always rely on her to cut through the guff. Will sorely miss our conversations.
i went to high school with Heather(although i didn't know her well) but to say she was a remarkable human being is an understatement. May she rest in eternal peace and her donated organs lengthen many lives