Audrey "Heidi" Mary Marshall

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, Audrey “Heidi” Mary Marshall, who passed away at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and friends following a brief illness.

Born on May 23rd, 1961, Heidi was the beloved daughter of the late Anthony and Cecelia (née Googoo) Marshall. Heidi was many things to many people – a friend, aunt, cousin, knowledge keeper, language warrior, professor, entrepreneur, advocate, volunteer, mentor, and community leader.

Heidi’s education included a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Political Science from Cape Breton University, a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University.

She was the President and Owner of Ma’sl Advisory & Consulting Services and the Mi’kmaw Circle of Hope through which she provided L’nu’k across Turtle Island with workshops, education, guidance, and opportunities. Heidi was also proudly one of the founding members of the Jane Paul Indigenous Women’s Resource Centre in Cape Breton.

Heidi had more than 25 years of experience working with First Nations communities. Throughout her career, she worked as a professor, legal advisor, facilitator, consultant, event planner, and community advocate. She was instrumental in creating, changing, and implementing policies and procedures within First Nations communities across Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia and Alberta.

Heidi was a passionate advocate for Indigenous women for more than 30 years, beginning her work as an advisor with the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association in 1993. She dedicated her career to advancing the rights, safety, and wellbeing of Indigenous women provincially, regionally, and nationally.

Heidi was a professor at Cape Breton University where she developed courses focused on Indigenous women’s issues. She was also deeply involved in human trafficking advocacy and policy planning. At the time of her passing, she served as a Cultural Advisor to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Cape Breton and provided cultural support to the Jane Paul Indigenous Women’s Resource Centre.

Heidi’s dedication to advocacy helped create safe and culturally supportive spaces for Indigenous women, people living with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community. She was passionate about the work she did, and through her advocacy, she provided culturally safe support, strength, and a voice for Indigenous women of all ages and from communities near and far.

Heidi was the founder of the Finding Our Identity Fashion Show, a celebrated annual event, that brought together Indigenous fashion designers and artists from across Atlantic Canada to celebrate and showcase their beautiful creations from ribbon skirts to beaded earrings. More than a fashion show, this event reflected Heidi’s unwavering commitment to honouring matriarchal strength, creating culturally grounded spaces, and empowering Mi’kmaw women as leaders, knowledge keepers, and creators across the province.

But above all, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother were the titles she was most proud to hold. While she accomplished so much throughout her life, her greatest joy was her family whom she loved immensely. Left to cherish Heidi’s memory are her daughters, Vanessa Marshall and Lindsay Sylvester; her special son-in-law, Joseph Sylvester; her grandchildren, Kennedy (Peter), Emily, Ally, Addison, Hannah, Baby Joey, and Isla; and her one and only great-grandson, Baby Peter.

She is survived by her beloved sister, Lorraine Marshall, and Wmaqtaml, Cheryl Marshall; her step-siblings, Ron Wells, Lawrence Wells, and Kathleen Hanson; her nieces and nephews, Sheldon Marshall, Cindy Marshall, Gwen Marshall, Cecelia Marshall, Virgil Marshall, and Brian Marshall; and her godchildren, Devon Johnson and Kelsie Francis.

Heidi also leaves behind her three chosen children, Nilan Marshall of Eskasoni, Shawna “Boyer” Lesage of Ontario, and Karina Matthews-Denny of Membertou; and her chosen sister, Cecelia Kabatay of Membertou whom she loved dearly. Those who will forever cherish Heidi’s memory are her many friends as well as the many people whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey.

Heidi was predeceased by her partner, Steven Whidden; her parents, Anthony and Cecelia Marshall; her siblings, Patricia Marshall and Stuart Marshall; her maternal grandparents, Theresa and Peter Googoo; and her paternal grandparents, Benjamin and Nancy Marshall.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation beginning at 7:00pm on Saturday, August 15th and continuing until Monday, August 17th at 24 Autwen Ma’sl Awti, Membertou, where all are welcome to gather to share stories, memories, laughter, tears, and offer their condolences.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 17th, at 11:00am at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church at 40 Cabot Street, Sydney, with Father Bill Burke officiating. Interment will follow at Membertou Memorial Gardens. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to gather for a Salite at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. To offer condolences or view a livestream of the funeral, visit twcurry.com.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the ICU at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their exceptional, care, kindness, and support during this difficult time.