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Heidi Winter Obituary
Heidi Winter died on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 from complications of multiple myeloma. She was 64, and yet she had lived a prolific, full life. Heidi was born in New York City on November 18, 1948, and spent her childhood in northern New Jersey. After graduating from Connecticut College, her adventurous spirit, energy and warm heart led her to live, work, and contribute richly in Montana, Florida, and finally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she settled in 1991. Heidi loved living and working in Charlottesville; she worked in Administration at the University of Virginia Medical Center, at the office of The Dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and eventually, because of her love of astronomy, at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. She formed many close friendships during those years. She also loved fine art and poetry and was an avid supporter of local artists and musicians. She is survived by her father, Bruce Winter; and by three brothers, Eric, Dugald and Todd; as well as nieces and nephews. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend. A celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29, 2012, at the Colonnade Club on the University of Virginia grounds. An endowment in support of education and public outreach at McCormick Observatory has been established in Heidi's memory. Donations may be made by clicking the following link.
http://www.astro.virginia.edu/support/ Alternatively, checks may be sent to the following address, payable to the Heidi Winter Endowment Fund, The College Foundation, P.O. Box 400801, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4801; Attn: Cindy LaVarra.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Val Pairet
December 24, 2023
Every day I still think of you; wishing you were here to share life's journeys with. I still can see your infectious smile and hear your wonderful laugh. I will always miss you my dear Heidi.
Liz Layman
December 24, 2023
Heidi just brightened my day up when I got to stop in and speak to her at night while she was working. I remember a great smile and fantastic attitude. Sure do miss her.
Elizabeth Layman
December 24, 2021
I have thought of her often thru the years. Her delightful personality and laugh were so much fun. She is truly missed. I hope I get to see her when I get to heaven.
Heidi in Montana, 1973
Eric Winter
December 24, 2020
Thank you to all of you who helped me realize what an extraordinary person my sister was. I spent most of my life being fond of my sister, but generally assuming that her kindness and affection were normal and would always just be there. Toward the end of her life, as I met many of you, I began to recognize the vast ocean of kindness, care and insight that she was to dozens, if not hundreds of you. She poured herself into your lives, knew your children and parents, kept track of all of you, wrote letters, listened and cheered with a warmth and energy that surpasses anybody I ever met. So many spoke of her as the person who really cared and really understood.
I confess with sorrow that I thought she was just my enthusiastic and talkative older sister. You helped me out of the fog, and fortunately some of you did it soon enough that I understood better before she died how wonderful she was, how much love, goodness and encouragement she spread everywhere she went, and I cherish the memory of those last weeks of her life.
I now miss her terribly. Your kind words make me feel the pain of her loss and console me at the same time. Again, thank you.
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Liz Layman
December 24, 2020
I have thought of her often thru the years. We had such good conversations at Radio Astronomy. She was a thoughtful & great friend.
Robert Wray
December 24, 2020
I still miss Heidi and her warm loving light spirit. I wonder what she would make of the Great Conjunction currently to be seen. I'm sure she's watching from a better angle than any of us could even hope for. Love to her and her family and friends as well.
Chip Denton
December 24, 2019
Heidi made me feel unlike anyone else other than her brothers. Missing Heidi always Chip Denton
Val Seal
December 28, 2013
I miss you every single day. I love you my dear friend.
Robert Wray
December 26, 2013
It's been a year, and she's in my heart ever. Much love to you Heidi!
Liz
December 26, 2013
Well its been a year and I so wish I could tell her how much our visits meant to me. Every time I drive by her old office I still look to see if her lights are on. Her smile will live on in our hearts and memories. Miss Ya girl!
December 25, 2013
It has been a year (12/18) since Heidi left us and I still have very fond memories of Heidi as a friend and neighbor. I miss her.
Heidi Veilleux
August 5, 2013
Heidi was married to my uncle and I was the flowergirl in their wedding at Selby Gardens, Sarasota, FL, circa 1982.
Heidi was a huge part of my life growing up and I loved her dearly.
My fondest memory is of her taking me to Moore's restaurant on Longboat Key where they had a dolphin that used to hang out near the dock. Heidi took dozens of photos of me - I was probably 10 years old - that were phenomenal. Most were in black and white, but all were artistic and beautiful.
We put them in an album and gave it to my mother as a gift that she still cherishes to this day.
Even though I hadn't seen Heidi in roughly two decades, I have always remembered her fondly and I'm sad to hear of her passing.
My condolences to her family.
Marian Sandmaier
April 26, 2013
Dear family and friends of Heidi,
I haven't seen Heidi for nearly 50 years, but she was my next door neighbor and best friend from fourth through eighth grade. The Winter's Chatham, NJ home--4 Joanna Way!--was my second home. I remember Heidi for her irrepressible sense of fun, her amazing, full-throated laugh, her essential happiness and zest for being alive. I will honor her memory. Bruce, Eric, Dugald and Todd, I remember each of you --and Evelyn, too--with affection. I send heartfelt wishes to each of you in this time of sadness and loss.
Charlotte Damato
February 27, 2013
Heidi was full of life and always joyful. Back in the late 80's I worked with Heidi at Florida Power & Light. It was tough, hard working times but Heidi just smiled and in her sheepish way would say, "come on guys we can do this." With her urging and belief onward we would sail. I thank her for that.
Heidi saw the best in everyone and really cared. The world will miss her presence.
Keith Hutchinson
February 15, 2013
I was extremely fortunate to have met Heidi many years ago through her brother Dugald. My outlook on things was always brighter whenever I was around her....Here is a great link to pay homage to her life: The Heidi Winter Endowment Fund http://www.astro.virginia.edu/support/
Suzanne LaMar
January 31, 2013
Dear Winter Family,
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy for your loss of Heidi. We were friends many years ago in the mid 1960's. I had been a student at Beard; she became a student at Beard. However, for two or three years we were friends at the local school within our township. I was a guest in your home; she was a guest in my home. I have the most wonderfully amusing and vivid memories of this original, intelligent and vivacious girl ... who became a beloved and admired woman.
She had been in my own backyard all these years unbeknownst to me. I was so saddened to see her obituary and realize it was the same darling Heidi from years ago.
Her memorial was lovely ... thank you for sharing this event with those of us who knew her throughout the years of her remarkable life.
Suzanne Schambach LaMar
Brad Morgan
January 25, 2013
Heidi and I shared a love that gave both of us great happiness during the last years of her life. The photo is our last trip to Mabry Mill. Her passing leaves an emptiness that will never be filled. I will always remember.
Robert Wray
January 22, 2013
I'm so terribly saddened by her much too early passing. She gave off a light and radiant love to all that were near her, and I've been fortunate beyond words to count her as a friend. I will miss her checking up on me periodically to find out about my latest writing or acting projects, but most of all I will miss HER. All the love in the world to Heidi, and may the force be with her, and with her family and friends as well.
Beth Williams
January 9, 2013
Heidi was a dear friend and neighbor for over ten years. Every encounter with Heidi was a blessing. A few minute chat with her turned into over an hour of sharing about astronomy, art, music, our HOA, UVa. She was always interested in the other person and what was going on their lives. She never missed a birthday or life change. Life was a celebration to her, which was infectious. I miss her terribly.
Paul Willis
January 7, 2013
So very sorry to hear of Heidi's passing. She was a wonderful lady. I worked with her at UVA for years. She will be greatly missed.
Liz Layman
January 5, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of her passing. I would drop in, late at night to check on her, to make sure she was safe, at Radio Astronomy, We would get to talking, and I would say that I only had a few minutes to chat. Well, an hour later we were still laughing and talking. I will miss her great smile and attitude. She absolutely loved her job and Charlottesville. She will be so missed. Prayers to the family.
Lenke Mann
January 2, 2013
I am so saddened by the news of Heidi's passing. Her tremendous spirit and love of life will be missed. She always seemed to seek the good in others. I owe much to Heidi..she saw something in me that others didn't and because of that I became her replacement at UVA MC. I will be eternally grateful to her and even though our paths didn't cross much anymore I will feel her much too early departure from this world. My deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends.
January 1, 2013
Heidi you are in a class all of your own. One of the people I am lucky to call my friend. You are your Mother and Father in one. I am sad I wount see you again but will remember the times we enjoyed as friends. Chip
Diane Washington
December 31, 2012
I worked with Heidi when she worked in UVA Medical Center Finance/Patient Financial Services. She was a great role model and mentor. She had such a great personality and a wonderful smile. I am saddened that she has left this Mother Earth too soon!
Diane Washington
Cary Oliva
December 30, 2012
I knew Heidi just a little...she used to work with my old roommate at the NRAO. She was one of the sweetest people I've ever met and soon after we met, we shared our love of music, specifically Paul Curreri. I was so sad to hear this news of her passing. I will remember her with much fondness and send healing thoughts to her family. I went to see Paul and Devon tonight and they dedicated the sweetest song to Heidi.
xo
Cary
Martha Barger
December 30, 2012
I was sad to hear of Heidi's passing. My husband and I live the same subdivision.I had hoped I could help her heal when she returned from the hospital. We pray for the family during this time of grief.
December 30, 2012
Never to be forgotten. I love you my dear friend.
Val
Farzaneh Milani
December 30, 2012
I will miss Heidi's beautiful smile, her effortless generosity of spirit, and her boundless kindness. May she rest in peace.
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