Heidi Lou Smith
June 26, 1959 – August 2, 2022
It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, Heidi Lou Smith at the age of 63 years. Heidi passed away peacefully, with her husband Bill by her side, in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Tuesday, August 2, 2022.
Heidi was born in Atikokan on June 26, 1959 to Bev and Lou Bang. As a child, Heidi loved swimming at Factor Lake, waterskiing and canoeing. She enjoyed the outdoors, including the Outers program in high school, figure skating and loved spending time with her grandparents and great-grandparents.
Heidi met her first husband Rick in Atikokan where they bought their first home and she worked for Ontario Hydro. Later, she and Rick moved to Armstrong where they developed several businesses including the Northern Lights Station, restaurant and bar, and became much loved members of the community. Mariah was born during the Armstrong days, but when Rick became ill, they moved to Thunder Bay. Heidi took a job at a furniture store to help support the family. Rick passed away when little Mariah was just 5. By then, Heidi was putting her business skills to good use at EcoSuperior and the close friends she had made there helped her through those dark days. Wherever Heidi worked, her co-workers became friends and those friendships would last a lifetime. She made many deep and meaningful connections in her life with people who will never forget her. She always made you feel loved and important.
When she met Bill, she recognized the perfect partner to help rebuild her family, and after their marriage on August 17th, 2001; together they raised Mariah to be the accomplished young woman, nurse and mother she is today. In 2009, Heidi fulfilled a lifelong dream of completing a university degree, setting her sights on a new career in healthcare and accepting a position at the LIHN. Heidi, Bill and Mariah loved to spend their winters skiing the hills of Loch Lomond.
When Heidi became sick, she fought so hard, never refused a treatment or a test if there was any possibility it would help. She never gave up–her grandbabies were her world, and they loved their Grammie. Heidi loved spending time with her family, especially granddaughter Fiona with whom she shared a special bond. During Heidi’s last months, she always asked Mariah to tell her about days spent with her babies. She wanted to hear what fun things they did daily, and that gave her strength to continue her fight.
Heidi made so many memories with her loved ones. We will always remember how strong, kind, and selfless she was, putting everyone’s needs before her own. She loved taking her dog Bear for long walks, staying active, gardening, reading novels, connecting with friends and spending time out at the lake. Heidi loved to entertain, whether it be at home or at the lake. She always welcomed everyone with open arms and good home cooked food.
Heidi is survived by her husband William Smith, daughter Mariah Mrakic-TenHave (Eric TenHave), grandchildren Fiona Rose and Trenton Richard, parents Bev and Lou Bang, brother Rob Bang (Donna), Niece Brandee (Ryan McMillan) and girls Jaida, Kacie and Kodi. She was predeceased by her late husband Richard Mrakic and his parents Rose and Milan Mrakic, Grandparents Ariel and Archie Buchanan, Reuben and Edith Bang and great-grandmother Burnett.
Funeral Services for Heidi will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2022 at 1:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James.
Should friends so desire, donations can be made in memory of Heidi to the cancer center.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Heidi Lou Smith Tuesday August 2nd 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Thunder Bay, Province: Ontario