Heather Diane Aitken
April 12, 2021
AITKEN, Heather Diane
January 16, 1971 – April 12, 2021
Of Mount Forest, passed away unexpectedly at Guelph General Hospital in her 51st year. Survived by her partner Stuart Husk of Mount Forest. Loving mother of Colton Thompson and his fiancée Montana Leach of Raymond, Alberta. Heather was the daughter of Bernice Aitken of Mount Forest and the late Bert Aitken (2010). Special niece of Shirley and Kurt Havlas of Caledon, Brian and Doris Aitken of Mount Forest, Isabel and Bob Alford of High River, Alberta, and Wanda Aitken of London. Predeceased by her grandparents Murray and Vera Aitken, Everett and Jean Vrooman, her aunts and uncles Ruth and Alex MacDonald and Keith Vrooman. Heather is also survived by her many cousins, lifelong friend and “sister” Dawn Ferris of Dundalk, many more great friends, and “little friends” Owen, Kayden and Kalista Rae, all who helped Heather through the many hard days of her illness. Heather suffered for many years with MNGIE, a rare mitochondrial disease. She has donated her eyes and organs for research in the hopes of helping someone else. Heather was a volunteer for many years with the Mount Forest Patriots Junior C’s and the Victoria Cross Public School Breakfast Club. Special thanks to the nurses and doctors of the Louise Marshall Hospital, Guelph General Hospital and the Metabolic Team of the London Health Sciences Centre. Visitation will be held at the England Funeral Home, Mount Forest, on Friday from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. In order to attend the visitation, you must contact the funeral home to register by e-mail at info@englandfuneralhome.com or calling (519) 323-2631. Please note: as per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, attendance numbers will be restricted, masks are mandatory and COVID-19 protocols are in place. A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 17th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Extended family and friends are invited to view the service livestream by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/England-Funeral-Home-1863283503935858. A private interment will be held at Mount Forest Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Heather are asked to consider the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation or MitoCanada.
Condolences
Prayers for Heather's young soul; kind thoughts, love and caring for you her loved ones; thank you for donating her organs for others! Heather lives on thru others now.
— Gail (Allen) Blain, April 26, 2021Bob and I send our condolences to you and your family. We're thinking of you. Regards from Aletha and Bob McArthur
— Bob and Aletha McArthur, April 26, 2021Bernice, Colton and Stu. Milt and I are deeply saddened for the loss of Heather. Such a kind, sweet person, taken way too soon. We will cherish all the personal memories of her, Mount Forest, all the fun times we had at Colton's hockey games, rodeos, cow showings. Was always a great time to visit with her and the family. We loved her dearly, and she will be sadly missed.
— Jana & Milt Caissie, April 26, 2021I was so sorry to hear of Heather's passing. The people of Mount Forest were certainly lucky to have someone with such a cheerful personality and who gave so much to the community. What a trooper ! Best wishes to Stuart, Bernice , Colton and all of Heather's family.
— Cameron Noble, April 24, 2021Bernice, Brian and Doris. My sincere condolences at this difficult time in the loss of your dear Heather. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Miriam Long
— Miriam Long, April 22, 2021Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time! Heather had a heart of gold and will truly be missed! - Justin & Cara (Smith) Burns
— Cara Burns, April 22, 2021So sorry to hear about Heathers passing. She was definitely a special person. It has been wonderful to read the amazing tributes that have been paid to her these past few days. Thinking of Colton, Bernice, Stu and family. Lloyd and Joan Aitken
— Lloyd & Joan Aitken, April 18, 2021Bernice, Colton, Montana and Stu, my heart is with you. Heather's generous, kind and loving personality put a smile on everyone. Her courage facing Mito was something I so greatly admired and I am grateful for her knowledge and help as I navigated medical issues. From making mud pies in the playhouse at the front corner of the farm, to pajama parties giggling about boys late into the night- I am filled with incredible memories. I am thankful Heather wove back together the Egremont Chicks and Hens - it is a meaningful gesture that will continue to see us through the thick and thin of life. We stand with you in grief and we share with you our many memories and blessings of a truly wonderful woman.
— Shelley Pinder, April 17, 2021I am deeply sorry for the loss of Heather. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. She was definitely someone special, not only a loss to her family but to her community.
— Cindy Bayer, April 16, 2021Stuart we are so deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. We never had the privilege of meeting Heather and we were so looking forward to your next trip to Newfoundland. Heather was a lovely Lady and your Best Friend, may she Rest In Peace. Terry and Eileen Husk
— Terry and Eileen Husk, April 16, 2021My deepest sympathy to the family.
— John Beighton, April 16, 2021Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
— Bob, Muriel Fettes and family, April 16, 2021Stu, Bernice and Colton - Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Heather was always happy whenever we met her. She is now with her dad overlooking the loved one's she left behind. May your memories keep her alive in your hearts. Debbie McLean Jennifer McLean-Embling and family Adam McLean and family
— Debbie McLean, April 16, 2021Colton, Stu and Bernice my sincere sympathy on your loss.
— Sharon Wilson, April 16, 2021Our deepest sympathies to Bernice, Colton, Stu and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Heather will be missed by everyone, she was a wonderful person.
— Gord and Mary MacEachern, April 15, 2021Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
— Isobel Morrison & family, April 15, 2021My deepest sympathies to Bernice, Colton and the entire family. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. May the love and strength of family surround you and keep you strong and united through this heartbreaking time. Heather was a beautiful soul, full of love and kindness. She will be missed dearly by so many. Sending lots of love and prayers.
— Kate Murray, April 15, 2021I first met Heather a few years ago at a MitoCanada event. I really enjoyed spending time with her and found her to be a very warm and inspiring person. My sincere condolences.
— David Mosher, April 15, 2021Prayers and condolences to Colton and Montana, Bernice , Stu and families . She will be missed. Always had a smile for everyone
— Karen Switzer, April 15, 2021Sending all my thoughts and prayers to Colton, Stu and family. My heart breaks for you all. Heather is loved by so, so many!
— Lexi Pendry, April 15, 2021Bernice and family We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your daughter Heather. She was a special person. Our hearts goes out to you as one never thinks of your daughter going before you. We feel your pain. You will feel some emptiness in your heart and it is important to keep all the memories alive. Thinking of you and your family. RAlph and Pauline Diemert
— Ralph and Pauline DIemert, April 15, 2021Bernice, Colton and Stu, Please accept our sympathy on the loss of Heather. She was a bright light in a sometimes gray world..I will cherish memories of our time as hockey and baseball moms and her enthusiastic efforts at Victoria Cross. Sending you all warm hugs. The Schenk Family.
— .Angela and Darin Schenk, April 15, 2021Our heart goes out to Stu...Colton and Bernice and the extended family and friends...my husband and I met Heather several years ago and she was always ready for a chat...to share a coffee and laughs...she will be truly missed by all who knew her...
— Kelly Normore, April 15, 2021Our sincerest sympathy Bernice, Colten, Montana, and Stu. What a loss for you all and for so many people that loved Heather so much. I will remember the years of Patriot hockey games that she sat beside me and played goalie all game. Always the Pat’s Number One Fan! We enjoyed shopping excursions, movie nights, dinner and lunch dates and of course the annual fireworks festival potluck. Always ready to lend a hand or an ear. Words cannot express how much I will miss you and our friendship. God did gain a very special angel because here on earth she was one of the best! Until we meet again my friend. Michele and Bruce Aitken
— Michele Aitken, April 15, 2021Our deepest sympathy to Stu, Colton, Bernice and Heather's family. Rick, Lesley, Kyle & Dylan
— Lesley Dallaire, April 15, 2021Bernice & Family Our sincere sympathy on the unexpected passing of Heather. Trust you will have many happy and positive memories and support to make it through these times. Condolences Ken & Ruth Kitchener
— Ken & Ruth MacDonald, April 14, 2021Bernice, Colton and family, Pretty hard to find the right words, not sure there are any. Heather was one gutsy lady who lived life to all the potential she could. I remember one night she invited me for dinner after work at the Co-op while waiting for a Pats game to start. We entered the restaurant where she took up a table with the Mayor of Mt Forest, then proceeded to talk to and know everyone in the restaurant!! She loved that town. I am thankful to have known her. She will be missed by so many and I'm sure has been welcomed in the open arms of many angels. Thinking of you all at this time. Craig, Shannon, Caden & Sydney Martin
— Craig Martin, April 14, 2021To the Aitken family and Stuart Husk Our heartfelt condolences to you all! Heather was a special lady with an incredible amount of strength and determination to carry on. She will be missed by all that knew her. We hope that you find peace knowing she is at rest and hold in your heart the beautiful memories you shared. How we would have loved to have had another chance for a daily chat or text about her newest recipe, latest project or simply just to say hi. Sending hugs from Newfoundland and may God give you strength in the days ahead.
— Wanda & Campbell Husk, April 14, 2021Colton, Bernice and your extended family. Our Deepest condolences. Heather sure loved her Patriot hockey team.
— Dennis & Lorri Grein, April 14, 2021We are so saddened to hear of Heather’s passing. She had such joy and zest for life - teaching us all about living life to fullest no matter the hand your dealt. Our thoughts are with all who loved her. The Marshall Family
— The Marshall Family, April 14, 2021We are so sad to hear of Heathers passing. She was always so proud of you, Colton and couldn’t wait to see you married to the girl of your dreams. We know she will be a great loss to you and your lovely fiancé. You were so lucky to have a great mum. Our best wishes from across the ocean. Trish, Nick, wil & keira Eckermann. Aust.
— Trisha Eckermann, April 14, 2021My sincerest condolences to Bernice and Heather's family. Seeing this announcement was a shock as I remember Heather as being a young and very vibrant young woman. I had no idea she had such a rare and serious disease. May the family be comforted in knowing that she is now at peace and watching over them from above with God and many loving family members. May God's Blessing shine upon you all.
— Deborah Lapping-Hoffman, April 14, 2021My deepest sympathy for your loss. Thinking of you all at this time.
— Alison Godfery, April 14, 2021Our deepest sympathy to Bernice and all of Heather's family and friends. Joan & Erwin Arthur
— Joan Arthur, April 14, 2021Dear Family so very sorry to read this announcement. I saw Heather at the Guelph Hospital while we where both waiting for someone. She looked like a movie star and I told her that. Of course we are shocked to read this announcement and please know we are very sorry for the family God Bless Bill & Judy
— Bill & Judy Gerber, April 14, 2021I am shocked and saddened to hear of Heather's passing. We were childhood classmates at Egremont and reconnected a year or so ago on facebook. May her sweet soul rest in peace and be one with her maker. My deepest condolences to her family!
— Melissa Gissing ne Patterson, April 14, 2021