So sad to see a beautiful and caring person's life cut so short. I  remember  teaching with Heidi at West Valley at the beginning of her career.  She was a gifted teacher  who gave so much to her students. She will be missed.
??Madeleine Kasof

Heidi trained me the ways of being a 4th grade teacher when I first started in 1998.  She was an incredible teacher and a good friend.  She, however, was not a fan of using puppets as a teaching tool.  Any time we got new curriculum, I would tease her by saying, “Hey, maybe it’ll have puppets!!”  I’m so glad you were in my life for over 20 years, Heidi.  You are so missed.

Heidi was one of the first people I was blessed to meet when I started at WV. Her sense of humor and willingness to help ALWAYS made her such a treasure to work with. So many students were blessed to have her as a teacher, and the world will not be the same without her in it. My prayers are with her family.

I so enjoyed Heidi in the years I taught at West Valley.  She was always such delightful person to be around.  We all had fun planning for her birthday get away with Drew, made her a "care" package full of jokes and some fun things for her trip.  She was an excellent teacher and a good friend.  She will be missed by so many.  May her family have peace of mind.

Heidi was such an incredible, calming presence. I remember her laughing at all my crazy ideas, and encouraging me in so many ways at WV. We took long walks and chatted about her cats, house stories, and so much more. She will be missed but not forgotten. Love and prayers to Drew and her family.

Heidi was such a generous, thoughtful person with so much strength of character. She was a dedicated teacher and an amazing friend - truly an inspiration. During the past several years, we saw each other or spoke to each other almost daily, and I treasured our friendship. My life has not been the same without her, and I miss her every day. She will live on in my heart and in my memories.

Heidi welcomed me warmly to Faria 3 years ago.  She and I bonded over our love of food: both cooking and gardening.  Over the past year and a half, I exchanged recipes with Heidi as our gardens were overflowing with produce and we were looking for recipes to make with the veggies.  Heidi's positive outlook on life was an inspiration to me and I always will keep her in my thoughts.    

Heidi was by far the sweetest person I’ve ever met. I cut her hair for at least 30 years so I knew her to be a devoted and kind teacher she must have touched so many little lives. I will miss your smile.

Rest in peace my dear cousin.  You fought a brave battle. It is time to rest now.  We love and miss you.  

I met Heidi when she was 12 and she was a teacher then.  I recall Steve was her student then.  I watched her grow into a kind, wonderful young woman; when I moved east, I followed her life through the prideful stories of her dad.  This breaks my heart.

Heidi was such a wonderful team partner. She was always there for others and was so thoughtful in helping others be their best. Every decision she made in her teaching career was made with such thought and care. Anyone in her class knew that she was going to give them her very best self every day. She cared for everyone's wellbeing. I feel fortunate to have known her.  

Heidi was such a thoughtful and generous person. If I had any questions or concerns, she was always there to help.  She made the time no matter how busy she was. She was a great teacher, coworker, and friend. I am going to miss her dearly. Rest In Peace.

I first met Heidi when I long term subbed at West Valley. Then we joined forces at Faria on the 3rd grade team. I truly treasure the bond our team had. Heidi was always so prepared & proactive for weeks to come, and I aspire to be like her. She was so selfless, and I am truly grateful for a friend like her when she took care of my cat & house when I traveled for the holidays (prepandemic).

I didn't know Heidi deeply but I enjoyed every interaction that I had the pleasure of having with her. We connected over our disdain for closed-toe shoes and relished the days on which we could wear our sandals.  We would exchange silly messages to "alert" each other of an upcoming sandal day or excitedly announce that it was a sandal day! I admired her humor and her grace. I miss her.

Heidi was a great work colleague.  It didn't take long for me to appreciate her dry sense of humor.  She was a true professional and was amazing at finding solutions to our educational challenges.  One thing I came to know was that if I needed something and she could do it, she would.  She is missed.

I didn’t get a chance to work with Heidi closely, but I appreciated her sense of humor, dedication to her students, and thoughtfulness. Whether it was taking the time to write a thoughtful response to a quick email that I had sent or sharing her baked goods with the staff, Heidi took the time to show others she cared. She will be missed.

We were never in her class, but Ms. Swanson was always present in our elementary school lives and when we graduated. We're both in 7th grade and still miss her.

I was never in her class at Faria, but I heard from other students that she was the sweetest teacher. I only knew her as the sweet lady who would do the drive-through sometimes and wave at everyone and smile.