Heather Jane Tod

Heather Jane Tod, 74, of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024. Born on February 21, 1950, in Kirkuk, Iraq, Heather’s life was marked by love, service, and meaningful connections.

Her career as a licensed clinical social worker and family therapist reflected her deep compassion and dedication to helping others. Heather’s warmth, understanding, and guidance left a lasting impact on the many lives she touched. She was an avid reader, an enthusiastic traveler, she loved to paint places she had visited and memories of her childhood, and was someone who embraced the world with curiosity and kindness.

Heather’s faith was central to her life, and she was an active member of Buddhist communities in Chicago, Madison, WI, and Rochester, NY. She studied philosophy at Liverpool University in Liverpool, England, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. When Heather came to America, she decided to pursue a master’s degree in social work at the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Lastly, Heather’s love for animals, especially dogs, and her soft spot for cats, highlighted her nurturing nature.

Heather is survived by her loving daughters, Emma (Jeffrey) Bialer of Crystal Lake, IL, and Justine (Jason) Maiworm of Lake in the Hills, IL. Heather was a proud and devoted grandmother to Aurelia and Madeleine Bialer and Grace Maiworm. She is also survived by her siblings, Anne Tod of Australia; Jacqueline Tod of France; and Ian (Sylvia) Tod of Great Britain. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edith and George Tod.

A memorial visitation to celebrate Heather’s life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake.