Heather’s effervescence and boundless loving spirit were truly one of a kind.  While I had only known her for a few years, she had become a most cherished friend whom I will miss dearly. 

Heather possessed the unquenchable desire to experience all that life (and New York City) had to offer making her an incredibly reliable +1 for whatever cultural and culinary experiences the city had on tap. She accepted most all invitations, no matter how bizarre or mundane, with the utmost enthusiasm.  Even the dullest of events were made a joy but for her attendance – providing us the opportunity to catch up on topics both deep and (primarily) utterly mindless. 

In recent months, I had found that, even with her having moved to Los Angeles, Heather’s presence continued to be felt here in NYC. The city and its vibrancy will continue to be a strong reminder for me of Heather and the fullness with which she lived her life. 

With deepest sympathy.

My gif attachment below didn't play on this website, but here is the link: 

https://gph.is/g/4LgzGm0

Heather is now immortalized in gif format. :) 

Let me tell you about my friend Heather. She’s the reason I love to read! Having never read a book since I was in high school, she gathered a group of girls together and challenged us to read all of Jane Austen’s books in one year. We accomplished it, so the next year she challenged us to read the classics... you name a classic and it’s likely we’ve read it. The next year we included biographies and the New York Times bestsellers list. Before I knew it,  I loved to read! 
I met Heather when she became my visiting teacher at church, and I felt like I hit the jackpot! All too soon we were eating all over Vegas, and lunches lasted four hours. 
Together we pondered on the Nativity story and wondered if we would rather be an angel or a  shepherd... they each had their different roles in the birth of our Savior. One proclaimed the birth, and the other responded in haste to see the Christ Child. 
The best was when Heather would dish out the latest gossip in the entertainment world since she worked with Dave. 
We both love our families fiercely, Diet Coke, London, and of course Keanu Reeves!
One time at lunch she thought she was taking two Aleve and instead took two Ambien, and I had to drive her home and tuck her in!  
But the worst was when she begged- and I mean pulled, kicked, and dragged- a couple of us to the movie Avatar because she really wanted to see it, and then she promptly fell asleep!
Her home in Vegas was pure heaven, and we loved when we could have book club there.  It was always special. 
A week ago she passed away and my heart hurts. and my eyes are wet with tears. and my brain can’t process it. and I want her back! 
I echo a couple of her friends who have said, “She possessed that all-too-rare quality of making you feel wholly unique and special to her,” & “I feel so lucky to have known Heather and so incredibly unlucky to have lost her so soon.”
Thank you, Heather, for your friendship, and until I see you again, I will keep on reading!  xo

To find Heather A. Petersen's obituary and updated Services information, please go to:
 https://HAPMemorial.org
This is Heather's official memorial webpage with details About Heather, Memorial Services, Donate, and her Travels information.

I lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Heather A. Petersen Perpetual Scholarship fund. Details can be found on the Donate page at HAPMemorial.org.

In truth, there are no words that can express the devastation and heartbreak that I feel for the sudden loss of my sister, Heather. She was a light that, like Diana from the Royal Family in England, burned out much too soon. I miss the banter over opinions, I miss her infectious happiness, I miss the loving and caring of her thoughtful gifts and messages just because she cared. I am surprised as I think of life with Heather and how much her presence, just knowing she was here in mortality, impacted my life. She was beautiful, glorious, witty, hilarious, caring, and especially giving - all wrapped up like a Tiffany package with such an exquisite bow on top. I am thankful to have shared so many years with her as my sister. I am grateful to know that Heather Ann Petersen lives on and was prepared to meet God. The Gospel of Jesus Christ she believed in so passionately, it grounds me today in knowing the Plan of Salvation and Happiness that has provided us all the way to return to our Father's presence.
I love you Heather, thank you for such rich and enduring memories that will live on with me forever!

I have attached the official Heather A. Petersen memorial photo for all to share.

Heather was one of the nicest people i’ve ever, ever had the pleasure to meet; the eye of the hurricane amidst the constant chaos that was Late Show. It’s a sad, sad day for us but somewhere someone else is now witness to her beauty, poise, intelligence and wit. I’m very, very envious.

Heather, you are a bright light shining in the heavens. Rest in peace with God and the angels. I will miss your sunny smile.
with love from your friend,
Mark

The last time I saw Heather was  in October outside BAM. She was with Mary and they were about to go see Jimmy Kimmel Live! She screamed my name when she saw me and I turned around and there was Heather - glowing and smiling with all her positive lovable energy.  I worked at Letterman when Heather and Lee anne arrived...the two sweet pure Mormon girls - they were so great with Dave and he adored them. Heather had such a strong core of pure goodness that not even working in television affected her good nature.  I have to believe that Heather is in the next universe  having a wonderful time as she was too much of an Angel to stick around on earth.  Heather was an Angel already here and now Heaven has an extra good one probably already running around giving out toys and food to others. Much love to all of her family - she touched a lot of people with her golden heart while she was with us. xoxo Joanna Jordan

I was so sorry to hear of Heather's sudden passing.  Heather was one of my favorite people.  She was beautiful, friendly, thoughtful, kind and passionate about everything she did.  I enjoyed all our talks whether business or pleasure.  We both shared the love for Grey's Anatomy and would always look forward to the new season.  Although I had not seen her in several years, I always treasured our memories.  Sending thoughts and prayers to her family at the loss of this very special person.  My condolences.
Geoconda Ruiz-Hoffman

Heather was a beautiful person, both inside and out, who touched the heart of everyone she knew. She possessed that all-too-rare quality of making you feel wholly unique and special to her. 

I will miss her inquisitive mind and those wonderful conversations where she had to know my opinion on everything from pop culture to work, travel, theater, restaurants, life decisions and, of course, Keanu Reeves. 

She was a bright light in our world and shared selflessly with others her great compassion, generosity and love for life.

It hurts to say goodbye and she leaves a void that is impossible to fill, but Heather's beautiful spirit lives on in all those who were lucky enough to be her friend.

May there be comfort in knowing Heather was a special person. Dedicated, loved and often unappreciated. She was often a shining star in a dark world. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Love,
Fred Nigro

Everyone at Child Advocates in Indy loved Heather.  We stand in sadness with Heather’s family and friends.  Her friendship, compassion, and generosity was felt by all who worked with her here.  Holly and family, we are thinking of you.  I wish you peace in this difficult time.  Cindy Booth

I worked with Heather at ABC Studios and while I only knew her a few short months, she quickly grew to become one of my favorite people. Heather was an absolute earth angel. She was friendly, kind, and always in high spirits. Never was a Monday morning met without Heather asking what I watched over the weekend and never a Friday did she not inquire what I planned to watch. We shared a love for 'The Morning Show' and felt very passionately about the award season nominations. When it came to pop culture, she was one of my favorite people to converse with. I will miss those moments dearly.

Besides talking all things TV, Heather and I would spend afternoons at her cubicle discussing Disneyland- the best attractions to hit, the best way to navigate the parks, and most importantly where to find the best food. She would consult me before she made each trip to the parks and I would debrief her after every time I went. It only feels right that the last conversation we had revolved around California Adventure’s best eats. 

Heather was always looking out for me. While I am fortunate to have an extremely loving and supportive family, they all live very far away. Knowing this, Heather always made sure to check in on me if I was sick or having a bad day. She was one of the easiest people to talk to. She had a way of connecting with people that I will always admire and strive to achieve. She was the most genuine person I have ever known. 

I feel so lucky to have known Heather and so incredibly unlucky to have lost her so soon. Her spirit will be immensely missed. Rest in peace Heather, you truly lived your best life and we are all better for it. 


We were both missionaries in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania at the same time and have been friends ever since.  As a missionary she was very positive, outgoing, and knew how to have fun.  When Heather walked into a room she would instantly light it up!  Heather was enthusiastic about everything she did – she never did anything halfway.  She had many talents and wasn’t afraid to take on big projects.  While Heather worked for David Letterman she got me tickets to the show several times (and usually a “swag bag” with Late Show T-shirts, hats, and other accessories).  On my first visit to NYC she sent a limo to pick me up at JFK with a driver standing there with “Pug” on his sign.  She was one of my closest friends; even though sometimes (many) months would go by without communicating we always picked up like no time had passed. Last fall Heather took a job with ABC/Disney in Los Angeles, soon after she reached out offering me discount passes to Disneyland - classic Heather style.

My last communication (a text) from her was on December 23rd “Walking in to West Side Story. Fingers crossed it’s good. 
Merry Christmas Pug.”

Till we meet again my friend!

OBITUARY

Heather Ann Petersen

December 24, 1970 – January 13, 2020

Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery

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