Heidi Rose Anne Connell

Born in Fort Collins, CO on June 27, 1974, Heidi grew up in Windsor and graduated from Windsor HS in 1992. She attended Cottey College (Associates in Arts) in Nevada MO and continued her education at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, (including studies in Rennes, France) where she received a Bachelor of Arts in 1996. She joyfully chose to be home with her children for many years but in 2012, Heidi earned her Masters of Education at Nazareth and became a French teacher at the Middle School for the Canandaigua City School District in upstate NY. She was an innovative passionate teacher who inspired her students. She is remembered fondly by her students and colleagues alike.

While attending Nazareth she met her love, Robert Connell. They married in 2000 spending 19 wonderful years and together raising three children – Madison, Audra, and Owen.

Heidi loved people. She initiated conversation with people everywhere, remembering them and reigniting relationships throughout her life. An enthusiastic traveler she was always planning the next excursion and never let challenges limit the adventure. Curious and fun she savored life, music, food, culture - always dancing to the music. But most of all she loved her family. Nothing gave her more pleasure than being with her children, attending their activities, and cheering for them at their many sporting events no matter the weather or distance.

Heidi was a member of the PEO Chapter CJ in NY and NYSAFLT, serving both on the board as well as presenting multiple times in different conferences. She was a lifelong Unitarian and would always volunteer to help or support others in need.

In addition to her family she is survived by her mother, Barbara Schoenberger; brother, Rick Schoenberger; father-in-law, John Connell (Barb Bethany); a large extended family including, Helen (Den) Matson; Laurie (Jim) Zazubec; Jenny Grencik and Jeff Matson. She was predeceased by her father, Richard Schoenberger in 2014; and mother-in-law, Lois Connell in 2008. She leaves friends across the world. She will be missed and never forgotten.

An interment will be held on Saturday, February 22 beginning at 11 a.m. at Resthaven Memory Gardens, 8426 S. Hwy. 287, Fort Collins, CO 80525. A Celebration of Life will follow at Resthaven Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 1344 University Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 or the Scleroderma Research Foundation, 220 Montgomery St., Suite 484, San Francisco, CA 94104.