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Heather Jane Kelleher
Heather Jane Kelleher
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Heather Kelleher Obituary
Heather leaves behind her husband Stephen, son David (Tina) and daughter Bryn (Sasha Djurdjevic), brother David McNamara (Kay) and grandchildren Charlie, Teo, Riley and Maks.
Heather was born in Kitchener, ON. She lived in London, ON, and Town of Mount Royal, QC, before moving with her family to New Westminster in 1959. She taught in New Westminster before returning to UBC to earn a Master's Degree, studying early numeracy. Heather wrote mathematics books for primary students, for both Houghton Mifflin and Nelson. Her texts were adopted by many provinces and states. She taught for many years in the Education Faculty at UBC, and supervised students doing practicums in Richmond. Heather completed her doctorate over seven years while her kids were in school. In the final years of her career she studied garden design and pursued a master gardener certification.
Heather was enthusiastic about life. She was an accomplished skier, tennis player and golfer. Heather loved music and loved to dance. Her best times were spent with her family, tending to her garden and skiing at Whistler. She had a particular affinity for the south of France, for choral singing, especially around the holidays, and for spending time by the water.
Stephen, David and Bryn wish to express their sincere appreciation to all of the staff at Yaletown House who cared for Heather so well in the final year of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations to Yaletown House Foundation would be appreciated.
There will be a celebration of Heather's life at Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, 3811 Point Grey Road in Vancouver on Saturday October 22 at 11am.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
17 Entries
Sandra Ayres
January 31, 2017
Steve, so sorry to hear of Heather's passing. We lost touch many years ago, my husband Tom Ayres taught with Heather at Lord Kelvin in the early 70's. Both were such bright and inspiring educators! Wonderful people taken too soon. Take good care,
Sandra
Val MacDonald
October 22, 2016
I was devastated to hear of Heathers passing. She was an exceptional person . Not only did I know her from school I worked with her as a school trustee in the 1980s. She was a major contributor in the areas of curriculum and of course her math textbooks. She was highly respected and I am sure will be greatly missed.
David Pimm
October 22, 2016
I knew Heather most during the early- to mid-1990s when she was working on and finishing her Ph.D. at UBC and I was visiting professor there twice. I remember well working with her on her writing. She had remarkable ability as an an academic author and I recall commenting one time that once Heather had written something it stayed written. The care she put into her writing was simply another facet of the care she put into her life and interactions with others.
Koko Carlson
October 20, 2016
Dear Steve, David, Bryn and families,
I was saddened to learn of Heather's passing. I knew she was struggling with Alzheimer's disease, but did not expect this outcome. I have such fond memories of Heather, first as visiting lecturers with our offices in the "huts" at UBC, then as Masters students in Math Education and finally as co-authors for Houghton Mifflin. Our friendship extended beyond work to encompass motherhood and hobbies. She accomplished a lot both professionally and personally, touched many people, and brought a smile to all. My condolences to all of you.
Koko Carlson
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Suzanne Longpre
October 20, 2016
I miss my dear friend Heather. Since our first meeting in 1979, our families spent great times together at Vaucroft, at Whistler and in North Vancouver. A dedicated Mom, Heather loved Dave and Bryne so much and it was fun to see her let them grow up to be themselves. She was a proud grandmother. I was with Hearther at her last Whistler ski in 2015,. She so enjoyed racing her grandson, Charlie, down the hill. I miss her laugh. I miss her amazing educators mind and her enthusiastic way of looking at things.
Nancy Bain
October 20, 2016
To all of Heather's family; While I won't be with you in person when you celebrate the life of my wonderful, bubbly cousin I will be in spirit. Thinking of you all at this time.
October 19, 2016
Condolences to the Kelleher family. I was sorry to hear that Heather had had Alzheimers. She was such a dynamic person to work with. I knew her in New Westminster many years ago and most recently worked with her and a group of New Westminster teachers on the Early Numeracy Project which was posted on the BC government web site. I learned so much from her. The group met many times at both at UBC and her homes. Heather will be missed by all who knew her. I will not be able to attend her memorial as I am out of the country, in one of her favourite places, France. I will drink a toast to her on the 22nd. My thoughts are with her family at this very difficult time.
Jan Kenny
Rick Marzolf
October 18, 2016
Heather had a great impact on us and on our daughter Rebecca when Rebecca was in her kindergarten class at F W Howay Elementary School in New Westminster in 1982-83. We have fond memories of how she knew just what Rebecca needed and how she fought for the extra opportunities that have benefited Rebecca to this day. It appears Heather spent her life in service of others, in whatever her sphere of influence. Thank you. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in these coming months and years.
Paul Martin
October 17, 2016
Steve,David and Bryn. Sorry yo hear of Heather's passing. We have fond memories of family times when you lived on Hilary place,particularly the Canada Day party always hosted by the Kellehers.
Debby Harris (Roman)
October 13, 2016
Steve, David and Bryn,
We are so very saddened to learn of Heather's passing, especially at such a young age. The kids and I remember her so fondly from our years on Seymour Blvd. - BBQs, July 1st parades, kid hijinks, and more. Unfortunately we can't be at RVYC to celebrate Heather's life as Matt & Mark now live in Houston/Calgary and Jim and I moved to Kelowna last year. Are thoughts are with you all and hope that memories of the good years bring you some solace at this difficult time. Sincerest regards,
Marg & Chris Sullivan
October 11, 2016
Dear Steve, We are so sorry to hear of Heather's passing. We have wonderful memories of the time we had with you both when we lived in the West.
Marg & Chris Sullivan
Betty (Knox) Jakel
October 5, 2016
Hi, Steve. You may not remember me. I met Heather in 1969 when we were the new Grade 2 teachers at Lord Kelvin. She was a wonderful person to share the adventure with and she was so good to me as a newcomer to New Westminster who knew no one there. I left New West after two years and I really regret that we didn't stay in touch. You remember the days before the internet.
I was so shocked and saddened to see Heather's obituary in the Globe. I am glad that her bout with Alzheimers was "mercifully short." I know how much you and your children will miss her. My heart goes out to you.
October 3, 2016
Dear Stephen, David and Bryn. I had the great good fortune of working with Heather at NWSS and we spent one glorious so weekend together at your place at Whistler. She was a wonderful educator and a very special person. I feel grateful to have known her. I am so sorry for your loss.
Hilary Wardlow
October 2, 2016
I was lucky to have Dr Kelleher as my professor when I was studying to be a teacher at UBC in 2005. I learned so much from her about math and the teaching of mathematics, an influence that continues in my teaching today. My condolences go out to her family.
October 2, 2016
Dear Stephen, David, Bryn and families
The world has indeed lost a shining star with the passing of your Heather! I worked with her for years in the New Westminster School District where she so capably worked with so many students and teachers to enable them to understand and excel in mathematics.To this day my tutoring strategies include many of Heather's suggestions. A most treasured more recent memory is of the winter Thursdays at Cypress Bowl in 2011 where a group of us would meet for a day of skiing. Heather would always lead the pack off the chair. Of course, the day would end with us visiting and enjoying very cold glasses of beer that Heather always loved! God be with you all in this time of transitioning to life without her; you are in my prayers and thoughts.
June Harrison, New Westminster
Mary Schumacher
October 1, 2016
Dear Steve, Dave, Bryn and families,
I am so sorry for the loss of Heather. She was a really fine person and a terrific teacher. I worked with her in New West but always felt like our friendship could be picked up any time and carried on as if we were still working together.
My love and prayers for you.
Mary Schumacher
Marcia Rioux
October 1, 2016
I was so incredibly sad to read this morning in the Globe that Heather died. She was a lifelong friend and always brought so much joy to me first as two little girls together in Montreal and then over the years when she visited Toronto or I visited Vancouver. She brought a warmth and kindness to my mother as well over the years. I will miss knowing she is there and someone who I knew all my life. Love to you all and my deepest condolences in this time of grief. Marcia
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