Heather Sykes

Our beloved Heather died suddenly on January 6, 2022, at the age of 61, leaving us brokenhearted. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Greg; sisters, Sue, Barbara, and Glynis; brother, Jeff; many nieces and nephews and their children; her friends; and her family members in Wales.

Heather was born in Edmonton and attended school both here and in Wales (where she lived for five years). She completed a degree in Speech & Language Pathology at the University of Alberta and worked in that field, primarily with developmentally disabled young children, until health concerns forced her to retire early.

Heather’s life was not an easy one, marked as it was by a myriad of health challenges. These she faced with great courage and a determination to learn everything she could about each condition. While she did not espouse a particular religion, Heather sought enlightenment and well-being in the beliefs of Buddhism and the words of spiritual leaders such as Eckhart Tolle.

Heather was profoundly intelligent, an avid learner, an insatiable reader, a good cook, an animal lover, and – until her health interfered – a social activist. Heather had a flair for interior design and created a warm and welcoming environment in the home she shared with Greg. Given her chosen profession, it is not surprising that Heather had a love of language and continually sought out meanings of new words she encountered. Heather loved music and was a cherished member of “the singing sisters”. We will forever miss her warm hugs and her sweet voice.