Heidi Baurle Hannafin

Heidi was born in Ithaca, NY, a daughter of Walter and Marilyn Olsen Baurle. She lived in and was educated in Dryden, NY, attending her 10th year of high school year as an exchange student in Japan. She returned home from Japan by boat to eastern Russia, then the Trans-Siberian railroad through Russia to Europe and then to United States.

She attended Cornell University and then graduated from Katherine Gibbs School in New York City. She worked for Revlon in New York City until leaving to raise her son. She moved to New Fairfield in 1984 and began a career as a paralegal, which continued for 28 years.

Heidi was a kitchen frau. She was happiest cooking, baking, canning, and preserving, and in her flower and vegetable gardens. In season, you would find her in vegetable, blueberry, and orchard picking farms, often giving the products or the baked, canned and preserved products away to friends and family. These kitchen gifts were always well received and much appreciated.

She was generous, often giving to those in need, and frequently housing people that needed a place to stay. “Heidi’s Hotel”.

Heidi loved her many beloved pets over the years, and was sometimes referred to as the “Cat Lady”.

She travelled the United States, Canada, Central America, Europe, the Bahamas and Caribbean with many trips to Magens Bay, St. Thomas, Nevis and Harbour Island. She particularly enjoyed the Italian ski trips and Magens Bay.

Besides her husband, Heidi is survived by sons: Thomas H. Bonafair ll, (partner Emily Rupe) of Portland, ME; Sean C. Hannafin, (spouse Brenda) of McGregor, MN; Christopher H. Hannafin of Wakefield, RI. Her granddaughters: Jenna B. Hannafin of Portsmouth, NH; Julianne L. Hannafin of Wakefield, RI; and Riley M. Hannafin of McGregor, MN. Her sister: Elizabeth Treat (husband, Stephen) of Dresher, PA; brother: Christopher Baurle (spouse Mary) of Dryden, NY; as well as several nephews and nieces.

Heidi was predeceased by her granddaughter, Madison Hannafin; daughter-in-law, Beth B. Hannafin; and sister, Catherine Baurle.

Services will be held at a later date.

Donations in Heidi’s name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, to New Fairfield-Sherman Animal Welfare Society at 223 Route 37, New Fairfield, CT 06812 or to a charity of one's choice.

We love her and miss her very much.