Heather Pulver

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows and the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.” - Audrey Hepburn

Heather (Perkins) Pulver passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 in Rochester, New York. She was surrounded by the loving presence of her family and friends, as her long-fought battle with cancer came to an end.

Those who knew Heather could feel that she was the warm sun, radiating in the center of their universe. She was the brightest light in any room, filling her space with the joy and company of family and friends. Those who did not know her were immediately drawn to her energy and quickly became part of her orbit. She brought people together and brought out the best in everyone around her. Heather was a lover of adventure and was forever creating moments with whoever she was around.

Heather never wanted anyone to be sad, she wanted life to move forward and on to the next journey. She was determined to include those around her in creating experiences and adventure. As profoundly saddened as her family and friends are by her passing, they know that she would insist that no one should cry. Instead, she would ask us to go sit by the water, listen to the tunes of a live band, enjoy a new restaurant, shop at a local store, tip your server a little bit too much, and experience all the secrets of the world.

Family was the center of Heather’s world. Heather is survived by her parents, Mike and Antoinette Perkins, who meant everything to her. Her parents taught her how to love whole-heartedly, a lesson she lived every second of every day. She is also survived by her siblings, Amber Perkins and Mikey Perkins. Her siblings were her best friends and partners in crime, at times her co-conspirators to so many “Lucy Projects” and larger than life ideas. She is survived by many family members, including aunts, uncles and cousins. She was extremely close with her aunt and uncle, but to round out this fierce group of Party Animals were her cousins, with whom she shared her laughter, goofiness and all-around excitement. She was the “Julie McCoy” of their Love Boat, and as the activities’ director of every family adventure, she created wild and fun experiences for each and every member of the family.

Heather is also survived by more friends than the sky has stars. Her family brought her love, but it was her friends that gave her life. Whether it was in the halls of Norwich High School or on the campus of Nazareth College, her fierce group of friends made Heather into the person she was. She made friends easily wherever life took her and managed to nourish each friendship as if it were her only one. Did she have a best friend? Yes, and it is probably you. She had an ability to make every person she met feel special and loved. Nothing made her happier than to be surrounded by people and music.

When news of her passing spread, so many people shared that she was gone too soon. But Heather was well-known for recognizing the perfect time to leave the party. Not too soon, in fear of missing the best part, but not too late, to overstay your welcome or make the staff stay longer (she was always concerned about the staff). Despite recognizing the perfect time to make one’s departure, she would always look at you on the way out the door and say, “I could have another, should we go out for just one more?”

Heather’s last request was for all her friends and family to throw a party. This party is not a Celebration of Life, but a Party to Celebrate Life. She wanted the music loud and the people dancing, everyone dressed up like all the old movies she loved so much. No tears are allowed, unless it is because your feet hurt in the shoes that look cute, but feel awful.

To our dearest Heather, it must have been the right time to leave the party. We will meet up, but not just yet, we have some adventures left to find, and experiences left to create. Save us a seat, we will be there in a bit. We are sure we will have so much to catch up on. We know when we meet again that you will have confetti in your hair and a glass of champagne in your hand.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Norwich, NY, on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

The Party of the Century will be held at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich, NY, on Saturday, August 28, 2021. It will begin just before you are fashionably late and end at the perfect time to exit. You must dress to impress.

In lieu of flowers, Heather asked that donations be made to Gilda’s Club of Rochester, 255 Alexander Street, Rochester, NY 14607, or www.gildasclubrochester.org.

Arrangements are with the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.