In her youth, Heather was celebrated for her beauty, intelligence and creativity. She received scholarships to university, and proudly put herself through school accepting greater roles of responsibility in her field of ophthalmology, first at Toronto Sick Kids, then in Stockholm, Sweden where she helped open a Swedish school of ophthalmology. Heather met her husband in Sweden and encouraged his passion for law. They lived in Sweden, England, Germany and Switzerland and had three daughters. Heather spoke many languages, celebrated food enthusiastically and was an excellent cook. She loved to paint, and had success as an artist with many gallery showings in Europe and Canada. Her marriage came to a heartbreaking end, and she moved back to Victoria to raise her three young daughters on her own.
As a single mother she braved humiliation and poverty and taught us the importance of standing up to be heard in a man’s world, to lead with kindness, and to advocate for those less fortunate. She got involved in federal politics and worked for a federal Minister during the Chretien Government. She proudly advocated for the rights of all Canadians, and especially those of refugees and new comers. Her passion was helping others, she had a gift for meeting people undergoing their own suffering, and empathically understanding their pain. She would do everything she could to get families the resources they needed in order to survive. We remember fondly how she was often stopped on the streets by people she had helped thanking her for her dedicated work on their case.
Her legacy is profound to those who know her well. Heather conquered life’s struggles with hope, wisdom, grace, resilience and humour. She had a difficult marriage that taught her forgiveness, and an incurable diagnosis that taught her perseverance.
Thank you, mum, for all you did, and all you went through to give us a loving home, a good education, and a shot at a decent life. Thank you, mum, for fighting for our place in this world. You blazed a trail no one before you ever had. We are so proud of you mum, out of your brokenness you gave, and you taught us that
resilience and hope are the breath of faith. Thank you for the legacy you left that we are humble to inherit. We grieve in hope, and we will see you again – dancing on strong legs with the wind in your hair.
“We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” – Romans 5: 3,4
Please donate to the Mustard Seed Street Church or Red Cross, and in Heather’s honour, please do something kind for your neighbour. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Heather’s three angels – Cecilia, her heart; Monica, her advocate; Christina, her courage
23 Responses
May you Rest In Peace.
All our condolences to the Bailey’s family
The words describing Heather are so true. She contributed her heart, talent and wisdom to the world around her without reservation. Being her friend since we were teenagers was a privilege. It all started with walking our dogs, her Dachshunds and my Newfie, on Norfolk Road and from there we remained life-long friends, our paths crossing in Toronto, France (at Roger’s wedding), London UK, usually over long dinners, and eventually back in Victoria. Courage played an integral part of Heather’s life, a trait that she inherited from her parents, Olive and Norman, and passed onto her three children, Cecilia, Chrissy and Monica. Heather loved her daughters and they loved her back, steadfastly supporting her when times were tough. Condolences to her loving family: Mum, Olive; brothers, Roger and Nigel; and Heather’s wonderful “girls”, Cecilia, Chrissy and Monica. She’s looking down on us now, with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She will be missed by all who knew her. Love you, Heather. Here’s to you!
I extend my sincere sympathy to the whole family during this period of mourning. She will be surely missed.
Dear Monica, we were saddened to learn from Emily of your mother’s passing. Although we didn’t know your mom, in reading the tribute, it’s clear she was an accomplished and remarkable woman. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your sisters. Sincerely, Byron and Sharon Martin, Ottawa
To all Heather’s family,
My deep condolences for your loss. Heather was supporter of our street’s Block Watch program by phone. We appreciated her calls. Thinking of you all.
Sincerely,
Wendy Gedney
All who knew Heather knew her as the “Golden Girl”. Her shining blonde hair, her dazzling blue eyes, her infectious laugh/giggle, her warmth and kindness and her devotion to her girls. Heather could do anything, and she did. Her accomplishments were vast and often unsung. When she returned to Canada I was lucky enough to have been able to spend some time together with her. Life wasn’t easy for her and we shared a common ground in life at that time. Heather was an inspiration to me. She was strong, smart and resilient and a great support. She would overcome. But life was not fair and even against all odds Heather always shone. It may be a cliché, but she is still shining. Heaven just got a new star.
As I mourn your loss, I also feel privileged to have known you for the last few years of your life.
Although I didn’t know you for a long time, you were open enough and gracious enough to walk me through your life with all its victories and trials.
Our passes might have crossed as a patient and care provider , but you and your daughters always made me feel like part of the family , we shared lots of laughs and few tears .and I will always remember you with a Smile and a prayer for the beautiful courages soul you were .. Rest In Peace my friend .
Rest In Peace my friend.
My condolences to Cecilia, Monica and Christina.
My dearest Heather, you were a warrior in this life, you endured every one of life’s challenges with strength and grace and you had more than your fair share.
You were a friend and an amazing mother, you loved your girls with a ferocity that I will never forget, they were your life!
I have sweet memories of watching you make french press coffee (I had no idea what this gadget was), in the mornings before heading to work, catching me up on your life as a young girl and the life you had in Europe with your sweet girls. Then you’d come home from work and share the events of the day and I would update you on the excitement, that only three girls could create in a day and we’d share a few giggles.
I can hear your voice now, speaking your daughter’s names…’Cilla, Mon, Chrissy, Mummy’s home’.
I am grateful that you are finally free of the constraints of this earthly world, but grieving for your family, especially for your girls.
I will think of you often, face to the sun, a brightly coloured scarf with jewelry to match and those gorgeous baby blues twinkling with each smile. I love you.
We are saddened by your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Regards
Sue and Dave Paterson