With love and gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Kathy Heiling announces her peaceful passing on August 14, 2025, at the age of 84.
Born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, on March 26, 1941, Kathy built a beautiful life rooted in family, hard work, and care for others. She raised her three children in Coquitlam, where she also dedicated many years to the Coquitlam School District before retiring.
Kathy was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harold Heiling, in 2011, after 50 wonderful years of marriage. Following Harold’s passing, she moved to Maple Ridge, where she found comfort in her garden, her community, and time spent with family and friends. In her later years, she was blessed to share her life with her loving partner, Frank, whose companionship brought her great joy.
She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures — tending to her garden, spending time at the family cabin, and cherishing every moment with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She especially loved Christmas and all its trimmings, a season that reflected her generous spirit and love of family gatherings.
Kathy is lovingly remembered by her children Jackie, Connie, and Colin; her 10 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren, who will carry her love and lessons forward always.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM, at 15038 101 Avenue, Surrey, BC, in honour of Kathy’s favorite time of year. Please e-mail Jackiemurray1@shaw.ca to RSVP
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to her dear friend MJ for all her care and love, and to the compassionate staff at McKenney Creek Hospice for their kindness and support.
Those wishing to honour Kathy’s memory may do so by planting a flower in their garden or sharing a quiet moment at a place she loved.
December 21st, 2025
Looking back PVP had a yearly gathering usually in October. Kathy always attended with some of her children after Harald had passed.
There was usually wine and beer. However, Kathy always brought her own beer, just one and she brought her tomato juice, quietly siting
Somewhere and observing but always ready for chat. She was very much her own person but enjoyed a chat in a quiet corner.
December 20th, 2025
Kathy was a wonderful next door neighbour in our Pasayten Valley. From our very first visit to the valley to start construction on our outhouse, Kathy & Harold were kind, generous, thoughtful and fun. We shared numerous beers (albeit, Kathy's always was mixed with tomato juice) around our campfires and had many excellent times together. Kathy loved cabin life, except for the mosquitoes and the days when she would remark, "it's hotter than the hubs of hell"! Kathy and Harold will always be fondly remembered by me and my family.
Unfortunately, we won't be able to attend Kathy's memorial service, we will plant a tree in her memory on our lot in Victoria.
Sincerely,
Dave, Nancy, James & Erin
December 13th, 2025
Always enjoyed our times at the cabins as we meandered about the valley! That place meant so much to Kathy. Especially when she managed to get that bathtub! She and Harold were a special pair. I do miss them both. Sorry I cannot be with you for the 21st. But I shall plant a flower in my balcony pot when spring comes.
December 8th, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Kathy at Millside Elementary many years ago. She was a great lady who took many children under her wings. My deepest condolences to her family.
December 8th, 2025
I have many fond memories of Kathy. She always greeted me with her beautiful smile. Sending my thought's and condolences to her family at this sad time.
December 8th, 2025
I was really sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She was truly one of my favorite clients, partly because she was hilarious, and partly because she let me bug her endlessly about that one time she cut her hair way too short and Connie FaceTimed her to show me and she looked like a competely different person. She’d just roll her eyes at me and laugh every time I brought it up or asked her if she wanted that look again.
I always loved hearing her cabin stories and the way she talked about her grandkids. In true Kathy fashion usually with equal parts love and exasperation. She had such a sharp wit and a charm that made every appointment feel like catching up with an old friend.
She’ll be missed, and I’m thinking of all of you. Sending you much love (and a promise not to give anyone a too-short haircut in her honour).
November 29th, 2025
Our house was close to yours in Coquitlam. Our families would meet on every other Christmas at aunt Kathy's house and in the summers to swim in the pool or pull a raw carrot from the garden. Then came the cabin where you said "Look out " as the tree fell towards where I sat. Thanks for that and thanks for you! I love you auntie Kathy and you are with your man again!
November 29th, 2025
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