We are grateful for the life of Heather Lynn Reisz, who passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, of natural causes at the age of 42. Heather grew up and was confirmed at UniLu, and was a regular volunteer at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter throughout her high school years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Heather's parents, Pastor Fred and May Reisz; her sister and brother-in-law, Katherine and Christian Reisz-Hanson; her godchildren, Benjamin and Isabel (Izzy) Reisz-Hanson, and the many others who knew and loved her.
Please see Heather's page of the UniLu website for more information, and share your memories here.
I will always remember Heather's welcoming, friendly smile.
ReplyDeleteI would like to post on Heather's page but the above link does not appear to be working.
ReplyDeleteThank you for pointing that out! I have fixed the link to Heather's page in the post above. The UniLu website doesn't allow for posting, so please feel welcome to share your reflections here instead.
DeleteHeather used to have the following quote hanging in her office at the Museum of Science. I borrowed it one day and typed it up - it has hung on my refrigerator since that time (~2004)...
ReplyDelete"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-presevered body, but rathehr to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand - strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO! What a ride".
While her time on this earth was far too short, I know for certain there were strawberries and champagne as she skidded into heaven this week.
I will miss you dearly.
Molly Newman
This is truly heartbreaking news. Heather's passion, compassion and integrity, along with her commitment to seek justice and beauty were present from her youth, when we had the privilege of having her in our lives. Today's Moravian Daily Text spoke powerfully in the context of her death:
ReplyDeleteThe Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
May this be so for us and for all who loved her, particularly her family whom we carry tenderly with us during these grief-filled days.
Susan and Michael Thomas
Oh, Katherine. I am so sad to hear this news. I always found it heart-warming to see you and Heather together--such close, loving, supportive sisters. Your loss overwhelms me.
ReplyDeleteJoe & I remember you & Heather both holding a spot for us on your quilt at the 4th celebrations in Boston. One of you made a flag cake. We also have fond memories of going to plays in Harvard Square with you and your mom. May, please accept our deepest sympathies. I hope you and Katherine can find soothing ways to share your deep grief.
Our thoughts and love are with you and your family. I know we haven't been in touch for too long, but our feelings remain as strong as ever.
Sandy McDowell & Joe Saling
(sandymcdowell94@gmail.com)
While I have only known Heather a very short amount of time, I am thankful for the meals and conversations we shared. I think about the great insight and career advice she shared with me, but what I remember best was her happiness and joy.
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard she had passed, I thought of how kind and helpful she had been when I reached out to her for advice. And how, even in the short couple of times we got together, how much happiness she projected.
Now I am reading all these great stories about her and realize how many people she had the same effect on. If I take the happiness she shared with me and multiply it out to all the people with which she interacted, I can say that she most definitely made this world a better place.
I am thankful to have met her and sorry I didn't have more time with her. My thoughts are with her family and those with whom she was closest. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Reisz Family -
ReplyDeleteI met Heather in Chicago at a Museums in the Park (MIP) fundraisers conference. She had just moved here and was very excited about her new job and city. We connected immediately both being from Boston and vowed to get in touch to talk shop once she got settled in. It took a year and a half but we managed to get together with 2 other MIP prospect researchers this past February and spent a good 2 hours talking and laughing. We all decided next time it would be over drinks. We had planned to get together April/May to share our knowledge and further our profession. Of course work got busy...we all make excuses...I am just saddened that there was not more time to talk...
"Heather, Thank you for giving me hope on my career path. Being so bold to move to a brand new city for a career you knew you deserved has pushed me to work harder and not under-estimate myself. Thank you Heather. I sincerely hope that there is an constituent relationship management program in the sky that feeds you perfect prospects every time."
I am sad not to be able to come to the service to commend Heather to God’s tender care, and even sadder that she has died so soon. The world was brighter place for me and so many others because of her joyful presence. My prayers are for all who will miss her, but especially Fred and May and Katherine.
ReplyDeleteJane Marston
I am struck how the experiences expressed here of Heather ring true throughout her life. Even decades back as a teenager and young adult Heather was a kind open welcoming person. She was someone who would welcome the new kid or late comer. What a tragic loss this is; thank you all who have shared on this blog it helps folks who are far away grieve. For those who attend the memorial please hug one another an extra time for me. Godspeed Heather you are missed. Jonathan Arntz
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and research colleagues of Heather. The first time I met Heather was an in elevator at the International APRA conference about seven/eight years ago. Shortly thereafter we formally met and I then counted her as one of my friends and extremely knowledgeable colleagues. MO-KAN was fortunate to have her as a speaker at our Lawrence conference. With her can-do spirit and vivacious personal style that can only be described as her own, she was in short - amazing! Whether you were on the phone with her or on the email conversation, you always felt her hugs and spirit. She always left you smiling.
ReplyDeleteI am sad to hear of the passing of Heather Reisz. She was one of the first contacts I had at NEDRA when I began as a researcher. She was so welcoming and friendly and she made me feel at home. She went out of her way (along with Dave Chase) to help me find my bearings and I will always remember her laughter and her encouragement. She was truly one of the most open, welcoming, happy people I have ever known. I have not been in contact with her for sometime, but her inspiration will always stay with me.
ReplyDeleteHeather was my roommate in San Francisco during the late 90's. She worked tirelessly to further the reach and scope of the AIDS Quilt and for the betterment of the LGBT community. She was also a delightful human being. Her wit was sharp- and friendly- and her wry sense of humor made us both laugh pretty much every day.
ReplyDeleteThere was one time we were playing frisbee in Golden Gate Park and I convinced her to climb over this rusty fence instead of walking six blocks to the official gate. She sailed over the fence gracefully; I caught the back of my jeans and ended up with an enormous scratch up my thigh and behind. Heather walked behind me the whole way home so I wouldn't flash people, making jokes and cracking us up. She was that kind of friend.
I still have one of her plants. I'm so sad her time here with us is done. I'm grateful I got to know her better than I did when we were at Vassar- Heather was a good soul and I'm sure she's up there petitioning God right now to make things better for everyone.