Heather Ann Hoelscher

Heather Ann Hoelscher passed away this past Thursday. Heather will always and forever remain in our hearts as an amazing young lady that loved her family and friends. At 9 months of age she had meningitis. Although she was born with hydrocephalus and suffered from epilepsy, Heather was high functioning with all her disabilities. We almost lost her at two years of age when she had a massive stroke and required a craniotomy at three. Our family was told that it would be a miracle if Heather made it past the age of 3. Who would have ever of thought this tiny little Angel would have the strength to start over again, learning to eat, talk and walk as though she were an infant again. In true Heather form, her determination and love of life managed to give us 28 wonderful years with her. Heather enjoyed going to school from Kindergarten all the way through High School. She made many friends and touched many lives. A big highlight for her during those years was when the Valedictorian, during his speech, talked about Heather and her accomplishments and strengths. He told how she had made an impact on his life and that he'd always remember her. Special Olympics was a big part of her life as well. She loved to bowl, play soccer, basketball and run track.

Heather's charm won the hearts of many young men along the way. She looked forward to the special needs dances, lunch dates with friends and boy friends. Heather's independence enabled her to hold a job that she loved and looked forward to every day. She was proud of the work she did and the accomplishments that she and her coworkers made. Heather's ability to take on life, even with all her struggles, allowed her to move out and gain the independence we all seek as adults. She lived with her younger sister Diana, who has Down's Syndrome, and a wonderful house mother Denise. Denise and Heather formed a bond greater than friends, they were family. Denise helped Heather get through her days and become a beautiful, respected, successful young lady and we will always treasure Ms. Denise for taking such great care of Heather and welcome her as a part of our family as well.

I will miss my little sister. She will forever remain in my heart. When I think times are hard and things may seem hopeless, I will think of her. Her memory will give me the strength she once had. Even though the hearts of my family are heavy with the sadness of our loss, we are full of the love that our beautiful Heather brought into our lives. She will truly be missed and NEVER forgotten.

She leaves behind her mother, Margie Hoelscher; father, Crispin Hoelscher; five sisters, Sarah Peterson (Greg), Angela, Laura, Diana and Emily Hoelscher; nine brothers, Tim, Travis, Zachary, David (Amanda), Joey, Michael, Vincent, Jahari and Cameron Hoelscher; three nieces, Jordan, Harley and Bailey Hoelscher; and four nephews, Preston Ledbetter, Vincent, Colton and Valin Hoelscher. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Wayne, Aaron, Samuel, Gregory and Jerome Hoelscher and sisters, Amber and Katherine Hoelscher.

May God bless our Angels and keep them by his side.