With sadness we announce that Mom passed away peacefully at home in Vancouver, BC at the age of 84 years after a long illness. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Les (Leslie M.), and daughters Anne and Alison (Bill [s]; Mike) and her brother Rod (Robin). She was predeceased by son Jamie. Heather will be dearly remembered by her 5 grandchildren Ben, Megan, JJ (father: Bill Tucker); and Andrew and Hayden (mother: Kristi Wenaus); niece Susan (Mark) and nephew Bruce (Li Wan) and their children, Mairi, Libby, Alex and Catherine, as well as many dear extended family members, friends, and acquaintances.

Heather grew up in Truro, Nova Scotia, the daughter of Charles and Mary MacLennan, and older sister to Rod. She enjoyed summers in Pictou County. She attended Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, graduating with honours in Home Economics. At “Mount A,” she met Les. Heather and Les graduated from Mount A in 1958 and Les was accepted at Dalhousie Law school. Heather worked as a Dietician at Halifax General Hospital. When Les graduated from Dal in 1961, they married and relocated to Ottawa where Heather worked as a dietician at Ottawa Civic Hospital, and where daughter Anne was born. Moving to British Columbia to pursue Les’s career in tax law, and Heather’s background in Foods and Nutrition, they settled in Vancouver, where Heather began lecturing at UBC. Daughter Alison and son Jamie were born in Vancouver. Cherished miniature schnauzer Benji (and later Fergus) joined the family soon after.

The family spent vacations at Whistler and Saltspring Island, where they eventually built a vacation home, largely designed and managed by Heather. They also enjoyed time at Napili Kai in Maui, from its inception in the 1970s to recently, making memories and life-long friends from both Canada and the U.S.

Heather contributed in meaningful ways to many peoples’ lives — in her parenting, her teaching, volunteering, social activities and travelling — and made many friends in her community including her bridge group and investment club, where she excelled because of her sharp mind, love of social engagement and magnetic personality. Heather loved her five grandchildren, sharing the gifts she possessed and making special trips to spend time with all of them.

Heather was instrumental in her involvement with the family and approached family life and all its joys and challenges with dignity and grace.

Those fortunate to know Heather will cherish these memories.

A special thank you to Heather’s caregivers and medical personnel who were outstanding in their contributions throughout her illness.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to BC Children’s Hospital.

We had a good mother.

Rest now, sweet Mama. We love you and will never forget you…xo.