Heidi Lynn King
1974-2021
The storm
raged, then the sky filled with
a rainbow and the scent of
blossoms in spring.
Heidi Lynn (Smith) King, of Hantsport, passed away peacefully
at the Hants Community Hospital, on May 18th, 2021, at the age of 46,
with her family by her side.
Left to make their way through this world with the love she
gave them are her husband, Mike, and their children, Brett and Brynn.
Heidi instilled her strength, resilience and peace in each of them and
those traits will help them carry on.
Her mother (deceased, June 6, 2021), Mary (Hill) Smith
(Dennis Peterson), her father, Eddy Smith, brothers, Jeremy (Melanie
Norris) and Evin (Jessica), and nephews, Wyatt and Luca, and
grandmother, Frances Hill and step-mother, Cheryl Hawboldt, have had
the honour of loving Heidi for a lifetime. She will be met with open
arms on the other side by her grandparents, Vance and Mary Smith, and
her grandfather, Roger Hill.
Loving her like one of their own are Lynda and Rick King,
Wayne (Kim) Shankel, Stephanie (Keith) Forsythe, Jonah and Noah
Shankel, and Seth MacLean.
Heidi leaves behind a large family of aunts, uncles and
cousins that she had such a love and appreciation for. She also had a
very special place in her heart for the Lockhart family; Linda, Jim,
Angie and Jenna.
All those whose lives intertwined with hers feel both the
sorrow of her loss and the light of her love.
Heidi’s life purpose was her family. It was her
reason for being and it provided her so much joy. She found her
life-partner in Mike and together they had such balance, strength and
love. Brett and Brynn completed her and they share her heart, her
spirit and her soul. She was so proud of them and will forever walk
beside them. She celebrated their accomplishments, dried their tears
and held their hands. She was a quiet strength to them and they will
know that love for the rest of their days.
Heidi was an artist. Her creativity flowed effortlessly from
her heart to her hands. She shared her art with many and those pieces
are a reminder of her effort, presence and love. She spent many hours
creating with Brynn and Mary and those times always filled her heart
with joy.
Heidi had a giving spirit and such a strong sense of
community. You could always count on her stepping up to give her time
and talent, from the ball field, to the basketball court, to the rink.
She shared so much of herself in the pursuit of giving to her family,
her friends and her community.
Heidi was an accomplished scholar, earning two master’s
degrees (biology and education) from Acadia University and Mount Saint
Vincent University. She was dedicated, worked tirelessly and made many
sacrifices to pursue what she knew in her heart to be her
life’s work. Her years at university were filled with many
friendships, laughs and much enjoyment. She spent a couple of years
working in the scientific research field but felt a greater need to be
around young people which led her to pursue a career in teaching.
Heidi shared her gift of education with so many. She spent her
teaching career at Central Kings and Horton High School, inspiring
students and colleagues every day. Sharing in education was a passion
of Heidi’s and she was nourished by it.
Heidi was a friend to many and was a completely genuine
individual. Her gentle way, her spirit and her warm nature were gifts
she gave those fortunate enough to call her a friend. She touched
lives in ways she could never know and her love will forever give them
light.
To the palliative care team at the Hants Community Hospital,
we extend our most sincere appreciation. Your kindness, expertise and
humanity helped Heidi to navigate her illness, peacefully, on her
terms. For that, we will be forever grateful.
To the family, friends and neighbours who brought food to
nourish us, who called and who reached out with help and support, we
thank you. Each act of kindness you showed throughout
Heidi’s illness was a reminder of the strength and love of
our community.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at
11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021, hosted by the Hantsport
Memorial Community Centre on the grounds of Med Starratt Field, please
bring a chair or blanket. All COVID-19 pandemic and public health
restrictions will be followed, physical distancing is
required.
Donations in memory may be made to the Hants Community
Hospital – Palliative Care Unit or the Hantsport Memorial
Community Center.
Heidi took the opportunity to reflect on her life and wrote a
journal for her family. In it, she shared these pieces of
wisdom:
– be true to yourself. Believe in who you are.
Don’t change to impress someone else;
– continue
to grow and mature, just as you are;
– set realistic goals
but follow your dreams;
– never stop believing in Santa
Claus;
– do what feels right – what your gut tells you. If
it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t;
– look for the good in everyone;
– smile and laugh as
much as you can;
– remind people that you love
them.
May we look
to the sky, remember these words and honour our fortune to have walked
with someone as beautiful as Heidi.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Heidi Lynn King 19742021..
Death notice for the town of: Kentville, Province: Nova Scotia