Our thoughts are with Gail and Family. Love Todd and Sonja

Heather has been a part of my family's life for nearly 40 years. I first met her as a friend of Marion Allen, then later Heather took over Marion's flat in our home in Halifax. 

She was on sabbatical writing her PhD thesis shortly after my oldest son was born. Most mornings consisted of Heather doing her thing downstairs, me doing the New Mum thing upstairs, and then after lunch, Auntie Fo, Graeme and I went out for our perambulations.  Heather was the one who introduced a young Graeme to Dairy Queen soft ice cream. Yummm.

Both my boys were close to Heather, but, of course, as the years went by, and she and Bill moved to Clayton Park and we were in Dartmouth, we saw less and less of each other.

Graeme and Jamie were very saddened to hear of Heather's death, as was I.

Gail, I hope you will let me know when you have a gathering for Heather. I would very much like to attend.

I send you and all of Heather's many nieces and nephews my deepest sympathy.

Love Kathy and Bill Hopkins

My thoughts and prayers to family and friends as you grieve the loss of this incredible woman. Heather was a nursing colleague of my Mum as well as a teacher, mentor and friend to me. Heather had a special talent for understanding which rules needed to be adhered to and which ones need to be stretched. I loved her joy, laughter, intelligence and healthy practical common sense.

Heather taught me the Nursing Care of Children in 1968 when I was in my junior year of the BScN program at MSVU and the influence she had on me then remains to this day. She modeled the essence of what being and believing  a professional nurse to be, particularly when it came to children and their families. She taught us about family-centred care before there was a word for it. Years later we became colleagues in the School of Nursing at Dalhousie. There I continued to appreciate that same dedication as she applied it to students and student learning there. Students always came first for Heather and she was a strong mentor and advocate for them, as she was for newer faculty members as they came along. I always appreciated Heather's  finely-tuned talents of sharp wit and quick retort...she could get to the crux of any matter in seconds and usually was dead on. I always appreciated that legendary sense of humour.  Heather invested herself firmly in the Dalhousie School of Nursing and in her teaching and administrative responsibilities there and was a key part of its evolution to the School that it is today. Heather definitely mattered there, as I suspect she did to her family of whom she always spoke so very fondly. I last saw Heather after Bill's passing as she was preparing to move to Spring Garden Road....to be closer to all those annoying doctors' appointments, she said. Heather influenced many, and will not be forgotten.

To Heather's family, my deepest sympathy. Heather and I were the best of friends at the Halifax Infirmary. She was smart, funny and such a good friend. Although I rarely saw her since we graduated we have kept in contact over the years through letters and cards. I am so sorry. Maureen Currie Shapter

I have known Heather since 1982, she was my teacher and later my colleague. She has touched the hearts of many students and has been instrumental in global health and in the education of nurses. Many will be saddened by our loss. I send my warmest sympathies to Dr Heather Fraser Davey's family. She often spoke fondly of them. We have lost a wonderful person and a caring professional nurse who has inspired many with her wit and wisdom.

My sincere condolences on Heather's death. I have known Heather since I was a nursing student (many years ago for sure!) and she was an instructor.  Later we worked together teaching at the Mount - wonderful person to work with and big support always. Great memories all round.  Marguerite Hornby Muise

" I worked with Heather for many years at Dalhousie University.She was an insightful and helpful mentor to me. I have fond memories of the work we did together when she was Assistant Director and of our travels together in Scotland. All the best to the family . 
                                                                      Deborah Tamlyn (Halifax)

My condolences to the family... Heather was a great  mentor and supporter, she was so helpful.   Take care

It was my pleasure to work with Heather in the School of Nursing.  Her passion for nursing and global health benefitted students and faculty alike. She was instrumental in facilitating a number of Tanzanian students completing advanced nursing studies at Dalhousie; their influence on the School is still evident. A grand dame, she modelled discipline and commitment to one's beliefs and to the vocation of nursing and education.  My sincere sympathy for your loss.  Jackie Gilby, Graduate Programs Secretary, School of Nursing, Dalhousie University

To the family and  Friends of Heather:

I was saddened to hear about the death of Heather. As a nursing student Heather taught me a course called Teaching and Learning and about the importance of global health. 

She was a mentor when I became a faculty member at a young age. She taught me life lessons that I have held up high and apply daily. She taught me to use humour, to love people especially those that are less fortunate than us and to look out and support the underdog. She taught me to be prepared and to do the best that I can do as no one can ask for more. She mentored me in ways that I am truly thankful. 

She gave her life to nursing and nursing students and Dalhousie. She was instrumental in our relationships with Tanzania and was a quiet leader. She was a role model as she lived a healthy life. During the warm months, Heather swam at the Waeg everyday. I used to love running into to her while she sat on a bench after her swim and just entertaining her friends, her husband, and the crowd. 

She will be deeply missed as she has left such important life lessons and influence. I will miss her wit and compassion.

Prayers 

Gail Tomblin Murphy, RN. PhD
Dalhousie University

OBITUARY

Heather Dawn Fraser-Davey

February 9, 1938 – November 27, 2016

JA Snow Funeral Home

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