It is with heavy hearts we share the sad news of mom’s passing. Floating in a sea of love from her father, siblings, children, grandchildren and close friends in the days prior, Heather passed peacefully in the first still minutes of the morning with her daughter by her side.
Predeceased by her mother Marion Wanke, Heather is survived by her father Harry (Molly) Kerr; daughter Kandace (Jesse) Dunning; son Brandon (Brianna) Wanke; grandchildren Gage, Vaughn and Brooklynne; sisters Lauri Kerr, Jackie (Ralph) Knells; brothers James (Doris) Wanke, Tony (Ina) Wanke, Bob Wanke; and stepfather Ernest Wanke. Countless aunts, uncles, cousins (as far away as New Zealand), nieces, nephews and dear friends share in their sorrow.
Raised in Richmond and Fort St John, B.C. Heather flowered into an incredibly strong and fiercely independent woman, starting a family in Grande Prairie, Alberta before her journey carried her on to Prince George in the summer of 1993.
Heather always had her sights on living near the ocean, she realized this dream in 2004 when she moved to Vancouver Island. You could find her down at the lagoon or sitting along the Gorge each day as she took in the peace that the water brought her. Catching even a few minutes of the waves and salt air created her own personal zen.
Heather’s family was her world and she was happiest in the summer months hosting Grandma camps where she spent special time with each of her three grandchildren Brooklynne, Vaughn & Gage. Grandma Purple (as she was known to the kids) passed endless hours driving to/from or sitting at the ball field, hockey rink, lacrosse box and dance studio/theater, and then spent countless additional hours sharing (with anyone that would listen) pictures, videos and stories of the accomplishments of each of her three treasures.
Heather earned the respect of those around her with a straight-shooting realistic view of the world. Friends, colleagues and family knew she could be counted on as a mentor and trusted confidante. Offering words of sage advice “Life is uncertain, eat dessert first” or helping someone get on with it “You have a choice, you might not like the choice, but you always have a choice”.
Loyal to her employers, but always up for new challenges she provided administrative support to a variety of areas over 30+ years at Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC), Prince George (PG) Hospital, College of New Caledonia (CNC) and Royal Roads University (RRU).
We would like to express immense gratitude to everyone at the Royal Jubilee Hospital who provided care to Heather through her last weeks. Thank you will never be enough.
A celebration of Heather’s life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, July 13th at Royal Roads University Boathouse – 2005 Sooke Road, her favourite spot by the water.
When the hummingbirds come to visit you, know it is Heather letting you know she is nearby.
Rest easy our sweet Queen of Purple.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a Donation to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation in Heather’s memory.
Condolences and memories can be shared with the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
17 Responses
I am sending my deepest condolences to you Kandace and Brandon and your families.
I still can’t believe she is gone and I will our conversations and our weekly Bingo and Aqua Fit. Heather was a wonderful friend and co-worker and she will always be in my thoughts.
Rest in Peace, Heather, until we meet again.
Sending our deepest condolences to your family lots of love ❤️ your mom was an amazing person. always great to see her at the rink cheering on the boys. lots of love ❤️ the brooks family
Deepest condolences to all the family.
Beautifully written Kandace. You covered it all. It is still hard to believe she has gone. Still coming to terms with it. Be sure to take some time to grieve yourself. You did a wonderful job of advocating for Heather and now it is time to miss her. Love to you , Jesse, Gage and Vaughn
Granny and Gramps.
Dear Jackie, I cannot say how sorry I am for your family – we all love the time spent with her and you. Lots of love and take good care of yourself.
Kandace, Brandon and families, this is a wonderful tribute to Heather. I remember her saying you always have a choice. Often if I thought I had no choice, I would hear Heather’s voice telling me thatI did. I will never see a hummingbird again without thinking of her. Until we meet again, Heather.
She will be sorely missed! We shared a special friendship for many years (since 1998). I loved her dearly and will miss her sense of humour and brilliant insights. She was one smart woman, who I admired greatly. Rest in peace Heather. You are always in my heart.
Sorry to hear of Heather’s passing. I worked with her at GPRC. Such a sweet lady
Kandace, Brandon, Jim, Tony, Jackie , Laurie and all her family and friends. My sincere condolences.
Sending so much love to her amazing family. May the warm memories you have of her help bring peace to your hearts as you navigate this grief together.