On June 7th, 1939 Heather was born to Colin Fraser and Katie Ann Mackenzie in Park Ridge, IL.
On June 16th, 1962, Heather was married to the love of her life, Drexel Gene Justin.
She is survived by her husband, Gene; her daughters, Kim Murphy of Midlothian, IL and Chari (Matt) Lehan of Frankfort, IL; her grandchildren: Taija (Rich) Murphy Burrell of Midlothian, Mairi Lehan of Frankfort, Mason Lehan of Frankfort, Mackenzie Lehan of Frankfort; and by her great-granddaughter, Teagan Burrell of Midlothian.
Heather was preceded in death by her parents and by her daughter, Mairi Justin, in 1993.
She received a Bachelor's Degree and two Master's Degrees in Education.
She was a teacher at the Children’s Foundation and Baby Fold where she also helped develop grants. She also worked with Cunningham Children’s Home in Urbana, IL, which transforms lives by helping youth and families reach their full potential.
She was the owner and founder of Justin Academy of Dance and gymnastics, where she passed on her wisdom and served as a formative influence in the shaping the future successes of generations of young people.
Heather loved her community and dedicated her life to helping everyone around her. She was instrumental in establishing the Mother of Twins Club in the Bloomington area. She was one of the organizers who brought the Special Olympics to Bloomington-Normal. She was on the board for the Marc Center, a living home for the families of children with special needs. She also worked as a job coach for people in the special needs community.
She was known early on in life as a champion Highland dancer. Her love of her Celtic heritage was also exemplified by her talented performances as a bagpiper. Heather was the first to receive the title of Queen Heather by the St. Andrew’s Society. She was the inspiration for the Sandy’s Restaurant Marquee in 1962 as a recognition to her efforts to bring Celtic heritage and art to her community, including being influential to bringing the St. Andrew’s Society to Bloomington and the Highland Games to Springfield, IL.
She enjoyed her weekly YMCA aerobics classes and luncheons shared with friends.
Heather’s family recognize with grateful appreciate the compassionate care given by her Advocate Hospice nurses: Janet, Lisa, and Kim. They would also like to thank her special care takers: Katie, Jennifer, Samantha, Paula, and Valerie.
A visitation will be held at East Lawn Funeral Home on Friday, December 6th from 4pm-7pm and on Saturday, December 7th from 10am-11am, with a service immediately following.
Memorial donations may be made in Heather’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.eastlawnmemorial.com.
