Mary "Heidi" Ames

Mary “Heidi” Ames of Chestnut Hill, MA, passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2025, after complications from longstanding vascular disease. Heidi was born in Boston on March 17, 1939, and raised in North Easton, MA. She was the daughter of John Stanley Ames Jr. and Isabel Biddle Henry of Philadelphia. She attended Milton Academy in Milton, MA, Montesano in Gstaad, Switzerland, Foxcroft School in Middleburg, VA, and Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA. Throughout her adult life, she resided in the United States, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

A fierce advocate and lover of animals, Heidi welcomed countless cats, dogs, birds, and creatures of all varieties into her home and dedicated much of her life to supporting animal welfare. Alongside her passion for animals, she had a variety of interests including decoupage art, tennis, travel, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Heidi's remarkable ability to connect with others across all aspects of her life was a tribute to her kindness, empathy, humor and boundless generosity and garnered her countless devoted friends. Her elegance, beauty, and grace were equaled by her compassion, selflessness, and genuine concern for others.

Heidi committed much of her life to volunteering for many charitable organizations, including The Fragment Society (where she served as past President), Gore Place, Martin House Farm, The Chickering Foundation, and the Franklin Park Zoo. She was also a member of the Chilton Club in Boston.

Predeceased by her brother, John, Heidi is survived by her siblings, Charlton of Rockport, ME, and Isabel of St. Petersburg, FL; her children, Jean of St. Petersburg, FL, Maria of Hilton Head, SC, and Richard of Newton, MA; and her six grandchildren, Justin, Julian, Amanda, Samantha, Ethan, and Lilah.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care provided by the nursing staff of Adaptive Homecare during the final days of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Heidi's memory to Zoo New England, One Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 10 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA.