Heather Jean Herriot, age 58 of Friendship, WI passed away Thursday, January 23, 2020, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI.
Heather was born on October 29, 1961, in Friendship to the late Robert and Gwendolyn (Steffen)Herriot. She attended Castle Rock Grade School & Adams-Friendship High School. She was an honor student and R.A. at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater and graduated with a B.S. in Arts and Communications. According to Heather’s classmates and friends at A.F. High she was “kind of a big deal.” She ran track and was a leader in concert, symphonic pep, jazz, and marching band. She was a majorette, drum major, and pom pom team member. She was prom and homecoming royalty as well as Homecoming Queen. Heather also served as president of Student Council, Senior Class and was a member of DECA. Heather loved traveling and exploring new places. She lived in Colorado where she enjoyed Alpine Skiing and then in Florida spending time at the ocean and white sand beaches. She also lived in Alabama and Wisconsin and learned to kayak and skydive. Her cheerful nature and zest for life helped her to endure her long battle with progressive M.S. instead of complaining about her struggles she chose to enjoy life and the lives of her friends and family. Heather was always up for an outing and with her family and friends enjoyed theatre, cinema, musicals, and many visits to state parks and natural wildlife areas. Heather will be remembered for her infectious laugh and radiant smile that lit up every room she entered.
Heather is survived by her sisters, Pamela Ann (Kurt) Herriot, Dawn Poksyzk, Deirdre Lalicata, Holly (Peter) Kochalka, Mary Gwen (Nicholas) Schneider, Heidi Herriot; sister-in-law, Toni Herriot; brothers, David (Shari), Patrick (Vickie), Floyd (Kay), and Neal Herriot as well as many dear nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert Jr. and Richard; in-laws, Jim Poksyzk, Dominic Lalicata, and dear nieces Mandy and Casey Herriot.
On Sunday, February 2, from 11:00 until 1:00 there will be a visitation at Roseberry’s. Following a service, at 1:00 p.m. she will be laid to rest at the Easton Cemetery.
The family would like to thank both Rita and the staff at Fosnow Adult Home in Friendship and the Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg for their kind and loving care of Heather. The family would also like to thank Assist Wisconsin that provided the manpower and equipment that allowed Heather to experience the Ice Castles, Wisconsin Dells and most memorable a tremendous climb to the top of the mound at Roche A Cri State Park where she and her dear sisters sang “On Top Of the World.”
In lieu of flowers, donations in Heather’s name may be made to Agrace IPU Hospice- 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy Fitchburg, WI 53711.
I’m very sorry to learn of this-reading the summation of her life, this is someone who obviously made the absolute best of every minute. What a testament to a life well lived! I’m sorry I never met her-she sounds like someone who would have eclipsed the sun. What a loss for all who knew her-a remarkable woman.
The world lost one beautiful soul. Our loss, heaven’s gain. Rest in peace, oh so beautiful one.
So very sorry and deeply saddened to hear of the the lose of your dear sister, Heather. She was a very special person with a heart of gold. Her upbeat attitude and constant show of love for others, in the midst of all her own challenges, says so very much about the person she was. She always wore a smile. The world needs more people like your sister. She will be missed and remembered by so very many. God bless her and may God grant you his peace during this difficult time.
Heather had it all: brains, beauty, and a wonderful personality. May we all share in the joy of having her in our lives.
A beautiful tribute to one of the sweetest souls I’ve had the pleasure to know in my life. My heart and love goes out to all of the Herriot family and everyone that feels the loss of the grace that Heather shared every day.
Shine on, Heather ❤️
Sorry to hear that Heather passed away. Known her and sister Heidi from the days from Castle Rock Grade school and beyond.
My Sincere condolences to Heather’s family. Heather always had a smile on her face. You are in my thoughts and prayers –
Dear Herriots- We are so sorry for your loss. Heather was such a sweet person. Her obit has amazing stories – glad she gets to relive them all in Heaven. She is at peace -Love Dorothy and Steve
Ray and I send our prayers and love to the Herriot Family. Heather is dancing in heaven. RIP friend🙏❤️
Our thoughts are with the family, so sorry for your loss.
Sincere condolences to the Herriot family and many dear friends. Heather leaving is a big loss, but look what Heaven has gained!
To the Herriot Family,
Our hearts go out to you during this sorrowful experience. Her engaging smile, courage and bravery will forever be remembered and cherished. Also, your undying love in caring for her. Sending blessings.
Heather was an amazing young woman. She was on my track team and we ran the mile relay, she was my 3rd person and I was the 4th and our relay team nick named her choo choo. Still remember our high school fun. Prayers to all the Herriott family, shes in a better place. My God bless you all.
I’m sorry Herriot Family to hear of Heather’s passing. When we were much younger I have lots of fond memories with her as we were closest in age. I realize we lost touch over time but am glad to hear she kept her spirit alive. Thoughts and prayers. Jeanne (Curry) Whitish
I can still see her marching down main street! She was a treasure!
Condolences to the Herriot family.
So sorry to hear of Heathers passing. I have many fond memories of bus rides, bike rides, an other outdoor fun as kids in White Creek. She is shining her love down on everyone.
Sending my deepest sympathy to the Herriot family!! Prayers and hugs to the whole family at this difficult time!!
Heather was such a sweet soul and bright light in our lives. She welcomed me at Whitewater at a time when I was struggling to adjust to culture shock after moving back from England. Although I was different from everyone else, she welcomed me into her group of friends as if I was one of them and made me feel comfortable no matter what. I shall never forget the incredible kindness and understanding she showed me. Much love to you Heather. You are here in my heart forever. Much love to you and the family.
My deepest condolences to all. Heather was a cousin on our father’s side. We played together as children, and I remember the joy of being in the presence of that family. There was always so much love and kindness. I’m grateful to read she led an interesting, full life and that she touched so many. May she rest.
My deepest sympathies to the Herriot family. While I have not seen Heather in years, I remember her well from our years in band together. She was such a bubbly person – always positive and encouraging to everyone around her. We can never understand why some people must suffer so much, but we can know that she will suffer no more. It’s sad to see when someone so young leaves this world.
Sorry for your loss, I had the chance to meet this lovely lady once. And she was dynamite. Personality plus. The big thing, No more suffering. May she be with the good lord, Peace for ever.
To the entire Herriot family,
I only knew Heather briefly because I hung around with her older sisters at Castle Rock Grade School. I remember how she sparked as a child and sounds like she only continued to do so as an adult. I always loved ALL the Herriots. Condolences to you all. I’m sure she’s a “big deal in heaven!”
So sorry for your loss prayers to you all Heather will be missed by everyone.
So sorry for your loss. Heather was a beautiful, fun-loving and outgoing person. She was loved by many. Heather will be greatly missed. May memories of her ease your pain. Prayers of comfort to you all.
Dawn, the rest of the Herriot family, Heathers friends and all she touched~We did not know Heather but she sounded like such a beautiful soul and an Angel while here on earth. My lovey grew up in White Creek but was much younger but does remember some of the Herriot family. They did a lot of hunting back in the day with the Pollex family. I’m sorry she had to suffer with MS but it sounds like she never gave up and was very humble. A beautiful smile 😃 can help anyone on a bad day! And it sounds like she shared that with many!! If we all could strive to be as good as Heather and touch the lives like she did, then we are living our life the way God would want us to. ✝️ I remember her niece, Mandy in high school. She was a Freshman when I was a Senior. She was a very kind person and had a beautiful smile also. I had concert choir with her. It was a tragedy loosing her. I did not get the privilege of knowing her younger sister but I will never forget finding out that day and my lovey and I would drive down that gravel road many times and I shared thoughts and prayers with her. I’m sure they were waiting with their arms wide open when God called Heather home. Now she has joined other family Angels in Heaven. 😇 Cherish y’all’s memories and until ya’ll are together again…we should all try to smile a little more at others. Kindness and a beautiful smile goes a long way!! It sounds like she left many with that! 🥰 Rest easy Heather, in the kingdom of Heaven. No more pain and suffering. Hugs and God’s comfort to y’all ~❤️🙏❤️
Our Thoughts, Prayers and Condolences on your loss of Heather…..so, so young. May God wrap his arms around your family and bring you peace and comfort during this very difficult time. Hug your family and your friends…comfort one another. God Bless your family.
Dear Herriot Family,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beautiful sister. Peace be with you, always.
With love, Jim & Marie Fitzsimmons
My condolences to Heather’s family. She was such a joyful person to know. Always smiles whenever you seen her. She will be missed but she’s no longer suffering. I did not know that she was ill as we lost touch after school. But I have fond memories of her forever.
My sincere sympathy to the whole Herriot Family. I am saddened by your loss, but she suffered enough on this earth. The best is yet to come for her. She is up in heaven able to walk, dance, go on hikes and just be with family. Life doesn’t seem fair at times, but we just have to keep the faith. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Sincerely, your third cousin Mariane (HORKAN) Goetsch. The obituary was beautiful ❤️ Sorry I am not able to make the funeral, yet will be with you all in spirit. Absolutely love the Herriot Family ❤️
Beautifully written and heartfelt tribute to one of the bravest. courageous and strong women I have ever met. Down the mountain Heathet. Now’s the time for a second act. RIP.
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy for the Herriot family. Heather was a wonderful, beautiful young lady in High School. She was always shining then, and now, will shine forever with the stars.
Heather always seemed to have a smile on her face. I have fond memories of playing in band with her. Prayers of comfort and peace for her family.
My condolences to all the family. May you all find peace and comfort from the warmth of your Lord, family and friends. Godspeed Heather, Godspeed.
So sorry for your loss. She can be at peace now.
So sorry for your loss, way to young. Condolences to all family!
Oh my Lord, she was a lovely young lady, a beautiful person, from a wonderful loving family. I had the privilege of escorting her to Homecoming one year. May God grant her peace and show her all the treasures of heaven. Let the presence of the Comforter, Holy Spirit, embrace her family with love and fond memories forever…
So very sorry Sympathy and prayers to all of Heather Family
So very sorry for your loss, Heather always had a contagious smile and I always enjoyed our conversations. Rest in peace Heather.
Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory
help comfort you tomorrow.
Heidi and family
Our deepest and sincerest condolences
Eddie and peppermint
Our sincere condolences to the Herriot family on the loss of Heather. We remember her beautiful smile and kind heart.
Very sad to hear this. like so many others, I remember Heather’s joy and zest for life. Love and prayers to the whole family.
My thoughts are with you during this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathy to Heather’s Family. I have great memories of our childhood growing up in the White Creek area, riding bikes and riding the bus. She was always so happy and smiling. She will be missed, but know she is now in a better place sharing her sunshine.
Prayers for all of the Herriot,family U met Heather back in the mid 70’s through Rita Cwikla. I use to go up to Whitewater & have a few beers when she was go In to collage. Great memories. God’s Speed Heather you will be missed. Hugs DTM.
Heather is such sweet gentle soul with full of smiles. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers to family.
Heather brought so much joy to so many people. It was a great joy to have her at our Adult family home for the last several years. She had lots of spunk and a wonderful smile. She is wrapped up in Gods arms now and is at peace. She will be greatly missed. RIP my dear friend. Sending love and hugs to all of her family.
So very sorry for your loss, Heather was such a sweet person, she will be missed.
So sorry for loss my thoughts an prayers are with the family
Our sympathies to the Herriot family. Heather had such a huge heart for everyone, she was an amazing young lady! She will be greatly missed, but now she is no longer suffering here with us. She is with other angels. Love to all of you!
Very sorry to hear of Heather! Our sympathy goes out to her wonderful family❤️Will always remember her smile❤️
Heather was a beautiful, inspirational person. She was a joy to spend time with. While she was here with us she was an angel in disguise. Now she has her wings and will be watching over all of us. Godspeed little one.
So sorry for your loss. I have very happy memories of Heather when we were in band together. Such fun and always with a smile on her face.
So sorry for your loss! Prayers to the family.
My sympathies to the Herriot family.
Deepest sympathy to the Herriot family!
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have many fun memories of dear Heather. May you rest in peace my dear. Hugs going out to the Herriot family. Keep the memories close.
My sincere sympathy.
Heather always had a smile when you stopped to say hi when she was out wheeling around. My sympathy to you all.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember talking with her, and her contagious smile. God Bless
Very sorry for your loss.
My sympathy to the Herriot family. She sure had a sense of humor, when I knew her.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Herriot family. Heather was a beautiful and amazing lady.
Deepest Sympathy to the Herriot family. Our prayers are with you.
It’s so hard to find the right words, but, to all the Herriot family, sympathy to you on the passing of your dear littlest sister, Heather. May you feel some peace and comfort, in knowing she has gone on before us, to the only place where all is perfect.
Thinking of all the crazy wonderful memories I have of working with Heather at Good& Plenty! She was one of a kind, thoughts and prayers to the family.
Sympathy and prayers to all of Heather’s family.
Thoughts and prayers to Herriot family
Sending my condolences to the family during this difficult time.
My sincerest sympathy to the Herriot Family. I don’t have the words right now to express the light and laughter that Heather brought to my
life and so many others or how heavy my heart is at this moment. Bless her and may she find peace and perfect health in her new journey.
So very sorry to hear this. Thinking of the entire family .
So sorry to hear this. What a wonderful lady she was. My thoughts and prayers are with you all..
So very sad to see this…hugs to all…beautiful girl always.
I feel so bad for the Herriot family. Great memories come flooding back. Heather was always smiling, no matter what was happening. She is in her new body, joining our good friend Roger Marti.
Praying for you all!! 🙁
So very sorry to hear this. Thinking of the entire family .
To the Herriot Family,
My deepest condolences for your loss. Heather was an amazing woman and good friend of mine in High School. Although, as is too often the case, I lost contact with her after graduation. My prayers are with you all. The world will be a lonlier place without her but Heaven will be brighter.
So very sorry for your loss – hugs and love to all .
I am so sorry to hear this. Heather was a bright light with a gentle soul. Always had a kind words. My thoughts and prayers to all of you.
May God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time.
So very sorry for the family’s loss