It is with immense heartache that we share that our family had to say goodbye to this absolutely beautiful soul on July 6, 2024, after a sudden stroke she endured seven days earlier.
Heather was born in York, England, at her family home on March 6, 1953. She immigrated to Canada on the New York Greek Line from Liverpool to Halifax, Nova Scotia, with her mom, older brother, Barry, and older sister, June, when she was just three years old, to be reunited with her dad. From there, they moved to Toronto, where her sister Cindy was born. Eventually, they settled in Huntsville, where her brothers Ron & Bob were born. Heather worked at Deerhurst, Dominion Store, and Canada Post throughout her life. Eventually, she became a resource teacher assistant with Community Living Muskoka, where she retired in 2013.
She met the love of her life when she was 18 at a social gathering, and two years later, they married. They both said it was love at first sight. Their love for one another was unmatched. We learned from them that love is about mutual giving, compassion, care, respect, grace, and patience. They were married for 50 wonderful years (just one day shy of their 51st anniversary).
Heather will be incredibly missed by her husband, Dave; her children Krista Thompson (Jay Leal), Janis Bennett (Brandon), and Mike Thompson (Chelsea); and her grandchildren Ty, Leah and Abby, along with her brothers Barry Wood (Heidi), Ron Wood (Katherine), Bob Wood (Cheryl) and sisters June Wood (Ray) and Cindy Wood. She will also be missed by her sisters-in-law Diane O’Connor (Brian) and Debbie Stead, and many nieces, nephews, and all of her extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Jim & Brenda Wood.
From her children…
She was the best mom we could have asked for. As selfless as they come, always putting her family first with every decision she made. She had a gigantic heart full of compassion and empathy for the world around her. Her love was unmatched and endlessly deep for the ones she held dearest. Although her inner circle was small, her friends shared a very special place in her heart. Her close connections with them were very important to her, and she loved them very much. She loved her family fiercely and was a great momma to the many dogs in her life. She always stood up for what she felt was right, even if she had to stand alone. She was most comfortable when she was quietly puttering around her house and in her garden, but her heaven, her favorite place, was at Butter Bowl Hunt Camp with her family. We hope she is there now, sitting on the deck, overlooking the lake, feeling the breeze and wind through the trees. She always enjoyed the quiet, the calm, and the solitude. She loved the simple pleasures of life and had a profound appreciation for nature and its beauty. She loved the outdoors and spent as much time as she could enjoying it, whether she was kayaking, walking, four-wheeling, cross-country skiing, gardening, or just relaxing.
Her final moments were spent surrounded by all her kids and her soul mate. The birds began singing loudly, and a soft breeze came into the room off the lake as the smell of milkweed blooms was in the air. A fitting send-off for such an extraordinary lady.
She will be missed so deeply and her absence will echo endlessly. Her wishes were to not have a service. We will honour her in our own ways. We know that even though she is gone, she will continue to show all of us special signs of her presence. We will keep her spirit and memories alive and celebrate her often.
Check back on at mitchellfuneralhome.ca for any updates if a celebration is planned at a later date.
We would like to thank Andy’s House Hospice in Port Carling for their compassion, care, and support in her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations to Andy’s House or the OSPCA in Bracebridge would be greatly appreciated.
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Mardi Butts says
Sincere sympathy for Heather’s family. I only knew Heather casually through her help at VK Greer, always friendly, task oriented and supportive. A true treasure to be around, RIP Heather.
Ruth Holtz says
I was shocked to hear of Heather’s passing. Such a lovely lady! We lived down the street from Heather and Dave in Port Sydney, saw Heather at the beach all the time and exchanged babysitting with her when our kids were small. I am so very sorry to hear this and send sincere condolences to her family.