Heather Leigh Tyrrell

She loved Blue Rodeo and Jim Cuddy and saw them countless times in concert. She loved her kitties (most of the time, anyways). Heather worked as a Recreational Therapist where she thrived to enrich the lives of her many clients throughout her career.

She was a self-professed Sports Nut and loved all sports. Heather was a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New England Patriots and especially Mario Lemieux and Tom Brady. That said never get her started on professional athlete contracts and salaries !

She adored watching her kiddos play the sports they loved. Even those games where she may have gotten a wee bit feisty. She loved to travel and was so fortunate to make a lifetime of memories on so many trips to many places such as Disney Cruises, Chicago and British Columbia just to name a few.

Most of all, she loved her family and her incredible, massive group of friends. Inherently social, nothing made Heather happier than being surrounded by the people she loved. Everyone she chose for her wide circle, loved her back, just as fiercely.

Heather was a very thoughtful woman. She was the first one to offer a helping hand or to rally a group of friends for a cause or friend in need. She usually had a list or two (or seven) made to organize things and she was an efficient organizer ! It was in Heather's nature to drop off some home made muffins or soup to someone in her circle, just because that’s who she was.

Heather was very thankful and grateful for everything. She took nothing for granted. When she loved you, she told you. When you pushed her buttons, well, she told you that too ! But always in the nicest way possible of course.

Even while she lived with cancer, she put others first. She didn’t realize how big of an impact she had on people, just by doing the things she did. Her inspiring Morning Posts on Facebook spoke to so many of us. A quick text to check in and just say hi. That was Heather. So genuine, so positive and truly caring. She was our Ray of Sunshine.

“Grief is the cost of love” and as we all feel the immense heaviness of our grief, it is because we all loved her so much, and she loved us all even more.

Special thanks to the amazing medical professionals that were part of Heather's journey, especially at the end. Shout out to Dr. Tozer and all the amazing, caring and compassionate staff at C4 Juravinski Hospital.

Fortunate family members include but certainly not limited to, Parents Gerald and Barbara Batten, Loving Husband Glenn Tyrrell, Son Craig (fellow Sports Nut), Daughter Katie (Best Friend), Sister Kelly Minns and Brother-in-law Jason Minns, Niece Kylie, Nephew Tyler, Uncle Ron and Aunt Gail, Uncle Terry and Aunt Sandy, and Auntie Eleanor. She also had an army of extended family, co-workers, and friendly strangers.

Visitation will be held at CRESMOUNT FUNERAL HOME, 322 Fennell Avenue E. on Monday, September 26, 2022 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, 305 East 37th Street (off Fennell) on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 11am.

Donations in Heather's memory can be made to this year's Run for the Cure (support.cancer.ca/goto/heathertyrrell) and Wellwood Cancer Resource Centre of Hamilton (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/15526)

"I just loved being around people and I hope I made a difference." - Heather Batten Tyrrell September 18, 2022