Heidi M Tyson

Heidi was the beloved wife of 45 years to Mitch Tyson; devoted daughter to Regina and the late Sol Pluda; dear sister to Susan and Peter Zucker; cherished mother to Matt Tyson and his husband Shinsuke Aso, Elyse Neumeier and her husband Tom Neumeier and Dina Tyson and her husband Tauran Johnson; and adored Bubbie to grandchildren Elijah, Edith and Mac. She was a loving aunt to her nieces and nephews.

Heidi grew up in Bayside, Queens, New York. Her love of learning led her to the Bronx High School of Science, where she first met her husband Mitch; a degree in political science from Brandeis University; and a JD from the George Washington School of Law. She practiced law for a few years before pouring her heart and soul into raising her children and becoming a “professional volunteer” at her synagogue, children’s schools, and local community. She threw herself into causes she believed in, in particular giving her time and skills to political campaigns, supporting immigrants with English tutoring through English at Large, and providing counseling to parents of LGBTQ+ youth through PFLAG.

The daughter of two Holocaust survivors, she was fiercely dedicated to Holocaust remembrance. She worked tirelessly to preserve her parents’ stories, most notably by helping to write and publish an anthology of survivor stories entitled We Shall Not Forget. Once the book was completed, she turned her efforts to establishing Facing History curricula in local school systems and supporting programs that connected high school students with Holocaust survivors.

She loved to read, particularly fiction and particularly curled up on her favorite couch in the afternoon sun. She loved to garden, creating her own chaotically lush aesthetic with lovingly cultivated local flora. She loved to cook and bake for her family, often trying new recipes but also perfecting the comfort food her family loved dearly. She loved to travel the world with her family and took a genuine and deep interest in the people and cultures she encountered. Of all the places she traveled, however, she most loved Maine and spending time at her second home by the ocean in Ogunquit. She was never happier than when she was playing on the Ogunquit beaches with her husband, kids, and grandkids.

Heidi’s empathy and kindness was limitless and palpable. Whether it was spending time with refugees or comforting a grandchild with a skinned knee, she made those around her feel truly heard and their burdens fully shared. She was kind and patient when most people would have lost the capacity to be either. She was a caring mom to every friend her kids brought through the front door, making sure they were fed enough, warm enough and supported enough. She had, in short, an uncanny ability to make her love and generosity so very real to her friends and family.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service for Heidi on Wednesday, January 24 at 1:00 PM at Temple Isaiah, 55 Lincoln Street, Lexington. Interment to follow at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Road, Wayland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Heidi’s honor to one of the causes closest to her heart:

● English at Large: https://www.englishatlarge.org

● PFLAG: https://pflag.org

● The Mass General Hospital Cancer Center: https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/cancer-center