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BORN
1949
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Heidi Uhlig Obituary
Heidi passed away on Saturday, October 6, 2018 after a year-long struggle with cancer. She faced this disease bravely and with dignity. Heidi was born in Germany on June 9, 1949 and immigrated to Canada with her parents in 1951. They settled in Sudbury, where Heidi grew up. As a young adult, she moved to Toronto to work, and met Jack Kushnier who was visiting there in 1973. Jack moved to Toronto and they married in 1975, moving to Thunder Bay that year where Heidi found work with the City's Planning Department. She left to work for Canada Mortgage and Housing in 1979, where she worked for 30 years, making many friends among her co-workers. Heidi was very active advocating for women's rights and held strong beliefs in the struggle for equality. She was committed to helping animals, and she and Jack adopted many stray and sheltered cats. She also believed in helping disadvantaged people, particularly with housing which she felt fortunate to do as part of her job. This belief led to involvement with Habitat for Humanity where she eventually became President of the local Board. Heidi's commitment to the development of arts and culture motivated her to volunteer for fund raising for the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Her leadership capabilities won her a place on the Board of Directors in 2008. She became President in 2010, a position she maintained until her recent passing. She was a strong leader working with the board and staff to develop a plan to move the Gallery to a waterfront location. Although she did not live long enough to see the plan completed, she was proud of her role in the process. Her work ethic, attention to detail and planning skills all contributed to success in her personal life, her working career and her volunteer efforts.
Heidi was predeceased by her parents Karl and Erna Uhlig, treasured sister-in-law Sheri Uhlig, father-in-law Joe Kushnier and mother-in-law Bea Kushnier. She is survived by her husband, Jack Kushnier, sisters Barb (Bob Ewing) and Chris (Ron Kleinfeldt), brother Karl Uhlig, sister-in-law Janet (John Pike), brother-in-law Len Kushnier (Kathryn Eggert) and many nieces and nephews, as well as grand-nieces and nephews. She will be missed by numerous friends, especially the Book Club, her Swim Buddies, the Dim Sum group and the Birthday Club. She will also be missed by her beloved cat, Jasper.
Many thanks to the care and professionalism of the nurses and doctors at the Regional Cancer Centre, St. Joseph Hospice, St. Elizabeth and the Thunder Bay Naturopathic Clinic.
A celebration of her life will be in the Thunder Bay Art Gallery on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Thunder Bay Art Gallery in memory of Heidi would be appreciated.
may be made through
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Memories and Condolences
for Heidi Uhlig
Sponsored by Northwest Funeral Alternative.
5 Entries
Peggy Smith
October 31, 2018
Even though we knew it was coming, I was still in shock when I heard Heidi had died. It was just the day after I visited her. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to say goodbye and tell her I love her.
jOAN Halonen
October 21, 2018
My heart is aching for you all.
Lynda DePiero
October 18, 2018
Dear Jack: I am devastated and shocked to hear about Heidi's recent passing. I first met Heidi when we were both hired at CMHC at the same time during the early 80's. Together, we were placed in the rural & native housing program as well as the neighbourhood improvement program. At times we both looked at each other in disbelief and laughter helped us get through some problem solving situations. We developed a great working relationship between ourselves and amongst other staff employees. We sure had some fun times! As years, and decades past, our lives went in different directions. However, from time to time we would bump into each other and talk about the "good ole times". Heidi was a wonderful lady and her obituary sums her up beautifully. It was an honour and privilege to have known and spend great times with Heidi. She will be missed. May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Sincerely, Lynda DePiero
Thunder Bay
Gayle Dorey
October 16, 2018
My condolences to Jack and all Heidi's family. I worked with her at CMHC and I still have the playlist from her retirement party on my iPod. When I remember Heidi I think of all the wonderful things she did for rescue cats. My daughter still has the cat Heidi found behind our building and brought into the office which we adopted after nobody claimed her from animal services. I warmly remember Heidi and smile thinking of her. She will definitely be missed.
October 13, 2018
My condolences. May you find a measure of solace and peace in your many wonderful memories as well as in our Heavenly Father-Isaiah 61:1,2
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Northwest Funeral Alternative428 Balmoral Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5G8