With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we share that Heidi Garcia passed peacefully and with family by her side on June 27th, 2022 at Kensington Hospice, after a long and courageous battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme. Heidi was diagnosed with GBM in April, 2021. As tenacious as they come, she defied the doctor’s mortality timeline and fought the illness for 14 months.
Heidi Nancy Garcia (née Haas) was born on February 1st, 1958, in Toronto, Ontario. She was the beloved and adored daughter of Hans and Ruth Haas. Loving mother of Simone Garcia and Oma to her precious furry granddaughter, Cleo. Cherished sister to Edeltraud Overbeck (deceased 1982), Ilona Sobczak, Hans Haas, Michael Haas, Kristina Manganella, and adored sister-in-law to Peter, Kerri, Antonella, and Chester. Heidi was an aunt to five nephews – Jason, Austin, Lukas, Daniel, and Thomas; two nieces – Katrina and Arianna, and three great-nieces – Georgia, Daisy May and Sophie.
The Haas family moved from Toronto to Oshawa in 1972, where Heidi resided until she wed in 1982. In October of 1994, Heidi and her former spouse, Victor Garcia, welcomed their daughter Simone. Strong, independent, determined (and with an undeniable sense of humour) Heidi was an inspiration to us all – and especially Simone, whose stories and memories of her mum are too numerous to count.
Hardworking and creative, Heidi got an early start in her professional career. Through grit, tenacity, and ambition, she became Director of Human Resources at Magna International – a post she held for more than 15 years. Known for her profound impact and emotional intelligence, she was a strong voice and fierce advocate for others.
Never one to back down from a challenge, she founded her own firm, Elevate Recruiting, during the 2008 recession. She not only assisted employers and job seekers, but provided ongoing professional training and mentorship to hundreds of individuals. Heidi’s kind-heartedness and empathy were foundational to everything she did, and Elevate was no exception.
Heidi faced life’s adversities with courage and compassion. As a loving daughter, she went above the call of duty in caring for and supporting her parents. An incredible mother, sister, and friend, her legacy will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.
As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Heidi was dearly loved within her spiritual community. Her strong faith and hope for the future sustained her throughout her formidable battle with cancer. One scripture that brought particular comfort is Rev. 21:4, which reads, “And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither mourning, nor outcry nor pain be anymore…”.
The latter months of Heidi’s illness were spent in Room 209 at Kensington Hospice, where she was loved and well-cared-for by excellent physicians, nursing staff and personal support workers. Despite her grave prognosis, Heidi’s cheerful spirit, sarcasm, and positivity brought smiles to hospice staff and visitors alike – they always left her room feeling encouraged and loved. Over the many ups and downs of months of complex care, there are countless medical professionals and carers to whom the family offers their heartfelt gratitude – but most especially, the very kind and caring staff of Kensington Hospice and Princess Margaret Hospital. Their kindness and compassion was nothing short of extraordinary.
Heidi leaves a legacy of love, kindness, generosity, and zest for life. This is a significant and heart-breaking loss for our families and for those that knew and loved her. A void too deep to fill, Heidi will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all.
Memorial details:
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Kensington Hospice in Heidi’s name: www.kensingtonhealth.org/donate
A private family visitation will be held at Morley Bedford Funeral Home on Thursday, June 30th.
A public visitation to offer condolences will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses (506 Bloomington Rd., Aurora) on Friday, July 15th between 3 and 7pm. Mask required.
An invitation-only Memorial Service will be held in person and via Zoom at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses (506 Bloomington Rd, Aurora) on Saturday, July 16th at 12:45pm.
Zoom Details:
Time: Jul 16, 2022 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:
urldefense.com/v3/__us02web.zoom.us/j/88096028748?pwd=NYjrMsI3yXaPV_NcZyl7azy6Cs-IHp.1__;!!J30Te2ZdhFY!pOvjA2C4dzJGKfEoleXdexvM8ZtzhwtscBwCEuUM2aXhv97–28NiGIXaDmTwOBvzfTOeLIQ644adIMO$
Meeting ID: 880 9602 8748
Passcode: 21342134
In September 2022, we plan to gather with as many of you as possible to celebrate Heidi’s extraordinary life and to share stories and memories. Formal invitation to follow.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Heidi Nancy Garcia nee Haas 2022..
Morley Bedford Funeral Services Ltd
Death notice for the town of: Toronto, Province: Ontario
So sad to read this. I attended Kent with Heidi in Toronto. We never hung out, but I always thought she was a nice girl. Sending Sincerest Condolences to her family and friends. I do have a rather fuzzy picture from our grade 8 grade. ❤️