Heather Ann McKelvey

Born in West Chester, PA on March 7, 1991, Heather as a child was always happy, strong willed, competitive with her older brother and protective of her baby sister. She loved tagging along with her big brother as well as playing and doing arts and crafts with her little sister. Heather as a teenager in high school was driven and motivated to be the best she could be. She made many friends, and best friends that she still has to this day. Heather was a dedicated athlete playing field hockey, basketball, track and swim team. She continued to swim through college.

Heather attended Arcadia University earning a bachelor’s in biology and taking full advantage of their study abroad opportunities. She did her study abroad in Ireland and traveled all across Europe. She completed a post-baccalaureate at Keck Graduate Institute in Pre-Med. This led to her path taking her to Fort Lauderdale, FL where she attended and graduated medical school from Nova Southeastern University earning her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). During medical school she joined the US Navy and upon graduation received the rank of Lieutenant. She was selected for residency in Emergency Medicine at Arrowhead Regional Hospital and completed 2 years of training before her untimely death. Due to her enthusiastic energy, her fellow residents and interns nicknamed her “Resident Sunshine”.

Heather was a vibrant, joyful and happy person and her positive energy would fill the room as she walked in with an exploding smile. She loved her family and friends deeply and that love was felt by all who knew her. She was very thoughtful and always thought of others first. She enjoyed a life of travel, adventure, and sometimes a little bit of wine or fancy cocktail.

She is survived by her parents James McKelvey & Denise Fredianelli, her siblings James McKelvey & Ashley McKelvey, her Aunt Erica Holloway, her godson Rene Gonzalez, and her nephew William McKelvey.

During Heather’s battle with cancer, she became very involved with the sarcoma adventure group, First Descents. During treatment, she went ice picking, kayaking, and hiking with First Descents where on one trip she earned the name “Lala” for her energetic and bright personality. If you would like to donate in her honor, the link is listed below.

It is an understatement how loved and cherished she was, and thus her memory will be forever celebrated.