Heather Muirhead

It is with great sadness that the Muirhead family announces the passing of Heather Kathleen Muirhead on Monday, May 6, 2019 at the Portage General Hospital.

Left to cherish her memory is her brother Donald, nieces Brenda, Erin, Kelly, and Megan, nephews Larry, Brian, Tim and Richard, several great-nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Marj and many cousins and close friends.

Heather was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Kathleen, partner Don Balch and brothers Doug and Norman Muirhead.

Born and raised in Portage la Prairie, Heather had a passion for helping others. She achieved her teaching certificate and Bachelor degrees of Arts and Education from Brandon and Winnipeg and taught elementary school in the Portage la Prairie School Division for over 35 years.

During the summer months she frequently traveled to the Okangan area of BC visiting with family and friends. Over the years she developed a passion for "fitness" which included walking, attending the gym, and teaching aerobics. She was instrumental in the formation of the Portage Fitness Co-op and spent many enjoyable hours volunteering and working there. She enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of those who attended and worked at "the gym".

Heather loved to bake and cook and prepared many delicious meals and desserts for family and friends. Heather and her partner, Don, also loved a good bargain and spent many hours shopping, perusing yard sales and attending local auctions. Heather enjoyed pampering and caring for her two special dogs: Jenny and Daisy.

Family events were important to Heather and she enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews and their families whenever she was able to. She was loved and will be dearly missed.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Portage General Hospital (ER and ICU Units) and Health Sciences (GH7 Unit) as well as Drs. Jim and Russell Price for their care over the years.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 1379 Kenaston Boulevard Winnipeg, MB R3P 2T or Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), 121 12th St. NE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 4A2.

A graveside funeral service will be held at Hillside Cemetery on Tuesday, May 14 at 11:00 a.m led by Wilma Shirriff. Those wishing to join the funeral procession will meet at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 10.45 a.m. There will be reception to follow in the Trimble Room at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com