Heather M. Wester of Conesus, December 17, 2013, surrounded by her loving family, passed peacefully after 53 incredible years of life. Heather faced her battle with Leukemia much like she lived her life; with faith, determination, humor and seemingly impossible grace. She is predeceased by her parents Robert Sr. & Patricia MacKenzie. Survived by her beloved husband Donald Wester; children, Faith and Nathan Wester. Brother Robert (Robin) MacKenzie Jr., brother-in-law Charles (Laurie) Wester and sister-in-law Deborah (David) McNicholas. Many nieces & nephews and friends
A lover of the outdoors, on any given day, Heather could be seen waterskiing on Conesus Lake, kayaking the Genesee River, skiing the slopes of mountains across the country, cycling with the Livingston Cycling Club, snowmobiling through the woods, hiking with her children, walking with neighbors, tending her beautiful flower gardens or simply enjoying the warm sun on her deck with loving family and friends. Heather also loved back road adventures, top down in the convertible, hand in hand with her best friend and husband, Don.
Her energetic personality and passionate nature extended into her career as well. Earning a Masters Degree in Social Work from Syracuse University, she worked for Hillside Family of Agencies for over 25 years and was also a private Mental Health Provider. Heather was known to stand up for what she believed in and displayed unwavering dedication to her life’s work.
Heather’s impact, and selflessness was seen in every avenue of her life. Her success in her career was overshadowed however, by her success as a mother, wife, and friend. A warm smile, a tender hug, and endless love awaited all who had the pleasure of sharing in her company. She valued trust, honesty, courage, commitment, and family. She showed us how to love openly without judgment, how to let go of grudges and preconceived notions, how to appreciate each individual’s uniqueness, and above all things, how to love unconditionally. Forever a mother and friend to us all… SHMILY
Friends and family may call Friday 4-8 PM at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Routes 15 & 20A, Livonia. Heather’s Funeral Mass will be on Saturday at 10:30 AM at St. Matthew Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road, Route 20A, Livonia, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to Wilmot Cancer Center, Box 704, PO Box 23029, Rochester, NY 14692-9804. To send a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I worked with Heather at Hillside in the GLOW program and have great memories of her empathy and compassion as she helped families. I was at a conference recently and spoke to a Hillside staffer who told me of Heather’s passing. You have my deepest sympathies. Heather was a special person – cherish your memories of her. She was truly one of a kind.
Dear Don and family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Heather’s passing. My heart goes out to you all. Heather and her family were members of Northminster Presbyterian church with me and my family. She and Bobby were the same age as my children and I considered myself a good friend to Patty and Bob. I was impresses with the active faith of her family as well as Heather’s personal faith and commitment and am so sad about her early death. Kitty Blind
Dear Don and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Heather’s passing. May happy memories of her comfort you in the time ahead.
Cecile Dunkleberg
Don and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Heathers passing , you are all in my prayers.
God bless,Debbie
Dear Don and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I first met Heather at a church retreat. I found her very friendly, interesting and easy to talk to. Throughout the years when I would see Heather at other events we always connected as if we were lifelong friends. Heather was a very special person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Barb Annis Lemen
Don, Nathan, and Faith,
There is no way that we could fully understand and express the right words to console you at this time. We were so hopeful that she would beat the illness and were taken by surprise. Heather would want you to pull together and support each other. We had good times through the water ski club and I worked in the job as Intensive Case Manager for Livingston County which brought me to meetings and cases that were in common with Heather, as she worked her way to jobs of increasing responsibilities. We echo much of what has been said in these comments and give our deepest sympathies to all your family and dearest friends and colleagues. Your friends, Clayton and Bette Gove
Dearest Don, Faith, and Nathan,
Please accept our deepest expression of love and sympathy and this most difficult time. You all, including Mom, have been through so much. God love you dearly at this hour of sorrow and loss. Stay strong.
Your loving cousins,
Don, Marsha, and Donald
Nate – Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are in are thoughts and prayers. Your friends from NSG Mary & Marj.
Don, Nathan and Faith, I am just devastated to know of your loss. Don, you know I had the pleasure of working with you both, and just think the world of you. I will keep in my heart the memory of seeing your faces light up whenever we spoke about our children. Her loss will be felt for a long time here at Hillside, definitely by me. She was truly a rare gem! I will keep you and the kids in my prayers.
To Heather’s loved ones, I am so saddened to hear about the loss of Heather. I too went to middle school (Zogg) and Liverpool High with her and can vouch with all the others who wrote before me – she was one of the nicest and sweetest souls there was. May happy memories of Heather carry you through this sorrowful time. Again, my sincerest condolences…
“It will be the little things that you will remember, the quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter, and although it may seem hard right now, it will be the memories of these little things that help to push away the pain and bring the smiles back again.” -(Author Unknown)
I was stunned to learn of Heather’s passing. I worked for her in the Waiver program (about 6 years ago), and know she will be missed at Hillside. She was an excellent supervisor and leader. My condolences to Don, Faith and Nathan and I pray that you will find comfort in your faith at this challenging time.
Heather was an ANGEL and such a sweet, sweet soul inside and out! My prayers are with Don, Faith, Nate and the rest of her family at this time of loss.
To the Wester Family. My heart breaks for you. Heather is the kindest, sweetest person I have ever met. Her smile and cheerful attitude made this world a better place. We will cherish the memories of the old Conesus Lake Water Ski Club when we first met in the early 80’s and the many New Year’s Eves we spent together after having our children. We love you guys. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Nancy, Ron, Eric & Kim Bodhorn
Don, I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my wife 2 years ago to cancer and know what you and Heather have been going through. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Always smiling down the halls of A.V.ZOGG AND LIVERPOOL HIGH.A wonderful,beautiful person that will never be forgotten.I’m sure Heather has touch a lot of hearts in this world which will be passed along.Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I met Heather years ago when she worked with me and other parents to develop Family Support services that would become the GLOW Family Support program through Hillside Family of Agencies. Heather believed that families were the experts on their children’s needs and would see strengths in everyone she encountered. I have fond memories of her laugh that lit up her entire face. I am a better person for knowing her.
Heather was an inspiration to me while at Hillside. Even though she was overworked and never had much time she made the time somehow to let you know how valued you were. A rare individual and one I will miss. My prayers are with her family at this time of loss.
I like many others here that have shared their memories of Heather were from those four intimidating, excruciating, exhilarating, unforgettable high school years that molded us all into who we are today. I may feel as though I did not know her “well” in school, but she was that type of person that would not agree with that statement. She was kind and giving and the glass half full type… you that knew her better than I would agree I’m sure. So many of us have reconnected through today’s social media, and in part it’s wonderful and it part it’s so sad on a day like today hearing this news. Faces change, people grow but as soon as I saw that smile, I knew no matter what cross she was bearing, she must have faced it head on and with grace! My prayers go out to her family, as well as to her friends. Heaven is celebrating her tonight and when we see a star in the sky that winks at us, we will know she’s there and smiling.
To Heather’s Loved Ones:
I was so sad to hear this news. Heather was one of the sweetest, kindest girls back in our middle school and high school days. We reconnected on Facebook but I had no idea she was ill. My sincerest sympathy and thoughts for all of you. May the wonderful memories that I am sure you have, comfort you at this time.
Maria Valentino Straight
I also knew Heather from high school. Out of the whole class she rose head and shoulders above us all in her kindness, understanding, compassion and her love of life and everyone around her. I hope her family feels the love and prayers from all of us as they celebrate her life. We are all a little better for having known her.
Don & family, so deeply sorry for your loss. God Bless you as she as she blessed us with her grace. Thoughts and prayers.
To Heather’s family:
Heather was a good friend all the way back in middle school at A.V. Zogg.
She was always laughing and having fun, a fabulous pleasure and memory in my life.
My prayers are with you all. She looks as beautiful now as she was then !
Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Donna Rossetti
I had the pleasure of working with Heather as a colleague at Hillside. Warm, considerate and insightful, Heather was a pleasure to be around. My deepest sympathy for her family and dear friends.
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Heather in high school, too. She was a vivacious and caring person, so much fun to talk and hang out with! We’ve been corresponding via FB these past couple years, and I’ve enjoyed hearing about her nature adventures with the family. Our thoughts are with you, and we have many happy memories of Heather! I am honored to have known her.
Unlike many who will post here, I barely knew Heather– I had the pleasure of meeting her when my husband and I were invited to go camping with Heather and Don, along with Dan and Marie Strollo, to a Wine Weekend at Watkins Glen. The memories of that weekend will linger in my mind forever. We shared a special weekend together and walked away as friends. Ever since that weekend, I have truly felt Heather and Don to be friends, even though our time spent getting to know each other was brief.
I feel blessed to have met both Heather and Don and to have been touched by her spirit. She is what the world needs more of. Like our time around the campfire, her flame was all too brief. My most sincere prayers go out to her family.
Dear Family …
I knew Heather in HS. We lost touch over the years until we recently reconnected through FB. Last we spoke was in July. She handled her illness with courage and grace. A grace that was all her own. Her parents lived across the street from mine in Raddison-(B’ville, NY) for a while. I dont remember exactly when we meet, but to this day, I remember the how I felt when we did.I will continue to remember her that way! She was BEAUTIFUL inside and out.
My deepest and most sincerest condolences to all her family and friends.
~ May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.~
TO Heather’s Family-
I had the pleasure of knowing your dear Wife and Mother during those tough 4 years in High School back in Liverpool, NY. Heather was always and I mean always in bright spirits and she spread that to whomever she was with- I cannot even begin to fathom what you are going through. I know that she would like us all to take a moment and think all things positive and I shall indeed do just that. Prayers to the family and dear friends of which I am confident were many.
She was loved everyone who knew her and will be missed. She surely earned her wings.