Obituary
An incredible daughter, wife, friend, dance artist, and high school teacher, Heather Marian Saum passed away on September 12, 2022, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Toronto at the age of 46.
Proudly, Heather was raised in Pilot Butte Saskatchewan. Heather never dwelled on the breast cancer that ended her life far too early. She was busy embracing life to the fullest and giving her love, creativity, energy and zest to her family, friends, colleagues, and students. Heather completed her Master of Arts Degree at York University in 2006. She taught in the Toronto District School Board for over 15 years.
Heather is survived by her parents, Lucille, and John Saum; her brother Jay and his wife Cara, and niece Emily; her Aunt Linda and Uncle Wayne; her cousins, extended family, and friends; and her devoted husband, Michael McGillion. Heather’s leadership in dance, her energy, and her outstanding mentorship influenced hundreds of young people to excel and to express themselves creatively, on their terms. A force for good, an indomitable spirit, and a remarkably uplifting human being, Heather will be forever loved and adored by all who knew her.
Heather’s advice to all: “Dance like no one’s watching!”. Heather, you are beautiful. Thank you for advising us, loving us, and for making us better people. We are following your lead, my love, now and forever.
Friends and family are invited to join at the Cardinal Funeral Home – Annette Chapel (92 Annette Street, Toronto, Ontario, M6P 1N6) Tuesday September 20th from 6-9pm for a Celebration of Heather and her life.
Keeping with Heathers wishes, in lieu of flowers, it is requested donations be made to The Princess Margaret Foundation – Breast Cancer Research and Etobicoke School for the Arts (Link for donations to be made available in the coming days. Please check back)
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Heather Marian Saum November 12 1975 September 12 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Toronto, Province: Ontario
So sad to hear of Heather’s passing. I remember many fun times we had on the farm. She was always so much fun. I can just picture her smile and that mischievous look in her eye. My condolences to her family and all who loved her. May her light and joy live on in her memory.
I am so very sorry to hear about Heather’s transition. I met her when I worked at the Dance Umbrella of Ontario and she was on that Board. She was, as many have said here and elsewhere, full of light and joy – and good counsel. It has been many years since I last saw her – and am bereft that I will now never have the opportunity to see her at a dance performance or just a serendipitous meeting on the street, which is when I last was able to have a conversation with her. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. I am out of the country on September 20, but will be thinking of her and all she brought to this world on that (and many other) day.
I am so sorry to hear this news about Heather. Wishing her family and loved ones light and love, now and for always.
I’ll always remember Heather’s exuberance and curiosity when she studied for her MA in Dance at York University. She could transform the seminar room in a second with her beautiful smile.
My deepest sympathies to family in friends for your loss. Heather will be deeply missed by the dance education community. I know that her legacy and memory will live on in her students.