Heidi Liebert Fine

January 29, 2023. Heidi Liebert Fine, 45, of Rochester, NY, having spent 14 months living with glioblastoma, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who love her. After 20 years as a chemistry teacher she spent her last months teaching us how to live life to the fullest, and how to die with grace, dignity and love.
She is predeceased by her heroes, Thich Nhat Hanh, Mr. Fred Rogers, and her godfather, Uncle Mike Blaylock. Also predeceased by her grandparents. She is survived by her cherished son, Ethan Fine, her beloved, partner Dave Vallese and daughter Caoimhe Vallese. Heidi is also survived by her parents, Dave and Nancy Liebert; her siblings, Amy Hentschke (Peter), Marnie Barnes (Gordon), Tim Liebert; and her extremely treasured and loved nieces and nephews, Abigail and Sarah Hentschke, Simon and Molly Barnes, and Lucie Liebert; and co-parent and friend, Jared Fine.
The family would like to thank Dr. Hemminger, Bethann, Dr. Mohile, and Dr. Hardy at URMC Neuro-Oncology as well as Heather and Aubrey at URMC Hospice for the caring support of Heidi and our family. We thank God for putting so many good friends in our lives who both supported us and helped care for Heidi this past year.
Heidi was a proud graduate of Mercy High School, SUNY Geneseo, and received her Master's from University of Rochester. She started working in the histopathology lab at the U of R and then discovered her passion for teaching chemistry at Mercy. She continued her teaching career at The Harley School. Heidi is a truly good person; an example of faith, strength, and love. There was not a person or creature in this world that she didn't want to help. She valued people first in all her activities, as seen especially in her teaching. She thought of her students as her kids and cared for them deeply. All the students, even those not in her classes, knew they could come to her for anything. She had a beautiful smile, the best giggle, and an amazing sense of humor, but not at the expense of others. She enjoyed relaxing by spending time in her garden, meditating, visiting Lamberton Conservatory, 80's movie night, and hanging out with the Valley Girls. She lived simply, loved her home and constantly shared it with friends. She loved traditions including Friday Night Dinners, the White Elephant game, Jammas & Jewels Oscar night and St. Nicholas Eve. Easter Egg wars not so much. Heidi was the best mother! If Ethan was around she was actively present in whatever he was doing. She ran soccer drills and played goalie with a bad hip, read books, built countless legos, and enjoyed hours at the Strong Museum and RMSC. She loved being with Ethan and having fun. Living by the Cherokee philosophy of the feeding of the two wolves, Heidi displayed her strong sense of morality by asking Ethan,"is this feeding the good wolf or the bad wolf?" She valued serving others and loved Mercy's Christmas basket tradition. Heidi's impact on each of us and on the world will be ever present, rippling through the people she has touched.
Friends may call Friday, February 3 from 3-7PM at Anthony Funeral Chapel, Brighton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 4, 10AM at Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women, 1437 Blossom Rd, Brighton. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Asbury Methodist Church Outreach Center, 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14600 or to the Heidi Liebert Fine Memorial Scholarship at Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women, 1437 Blossom Rd, Rochester, NY 14610.