Heather Kathleen Townsend

With great love and fondness, we remember Heather as a mother, a sister, a close friend, a trusted confidante, and a fiercely passionate person. Heather died peacefully in her home and with her family at her side following a 13-year journey living with ovarian cancer. She chose MAiD to say goodbye on her own terms, with grace and dignity.

Heather’s greatest source of joy was her community – the family, friends, and colleagues with whom she shared her infectious enthusiasm and boisterous laughter. To know Heather was to know her limitless pride in her sons Ben (Tara) and Danny (Xavier), to whom she gave her fullest heart and devotion. As the youngest of six children, Heather shared countless moments with her siblings Peter (Lyn), Ian (Bonnie), Barbara (Doug), David (Bev), and Stephen (Gary); as well as nieces and nephews Heather, Kai & Spiery, and many other loved extended family members. Through her greatest successes and adversities, as well as the smaller moments, Heather in particular cherished the bonds with her sister Barbara, brother Stephen, and brother-in-law Gary.

For 18 years, Heather was as an administrative assistant with Nova Scotia’s Internal Audit Centre, but perhaps was better known as her office’s resident plant lady and troublemaker, known to wander the halls with water gun in hand. She was an avid community member and supporter of local business, first and foremost for her beloved Alderney Landing Farmers’ Market. Heather was also an avid supporter of equality for all, particularly as an advocate for the unhoused and an ally for the rights of Black, Indigenous, and Peoples of Colour.

We thank her oncologist, physicians, and nurses for their compassionate dedication across more than 13 years of cancer care. We are also grateful to her MAiD providers, social workers, and counsellors for their humanity and candor during her final weeks and months. Even in uncertain moments, their contributions made Heather’s experiences and decisions feel respected.

A celebration of life is planned at 2PM on Thursday, July 2nd at the Austenville Owl’s Club (34 Oakdale Crescent, Dartmouth). All family and friends are encouraged to attend and join us as we remember Heather. A selection of Heather’s scarves will be available for guests who would like to add a pop of colour. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to be made in Heather’s name to Adsum House for Women and Children (https://adsumforwomen.org/).