HEATHER LEE MCFAYDEN

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HEATHER LEE MCFAYDEN
November 20, 1944 - September 7, 2021

Sadly, Heather McFayden passed away in Kelowna, BC on September 7, after a valiant battle with cancer. Family was the foundation of Heather's life, raising two sons with her husband Les and embracing their families and their successes along the pathways of life.
Heather was born in Dauphin to William and Marguerite Henderson, and attended Henderson School which was named in honour of her grandfather. In 1954, her family moved to Brandon where she completed her schooling, graduating from Brandon College in 1965.
After working as a social worker Heather completed further studies at Brandon College and the University of Manitoba. She worked briefly as a teacher in Brandon and Kenora, Ontario and spent many years working as a student counsellor at Red River College in Winnipeg. Heather was especially proud to be able to assist her students, many of whom were newcomers to Canada, helping them overcome challenges and improve their lives. Heather was fond of saying that she learned more from her students than they did from her.
Wherever she found herself she created and fostered a strong sense of community and belonging. Heather was caring, loving and a wonderful listener. She bonded easily with other working women and developed many lifelong friendships from her time at school and work. She especially enjoyed decades of memorable summers at the family cottage at Coney Island on Lake of the Woods where she became a second mother to many of her sons' friends, often taking time away from the fun to listen to what was happening in her guests' lives and to provide comforting and caring support.
Family vacations to California, Hawaii, Mexico and Costa Rica were a tradition that continued even as the family grew. In 2012, Heather and Les relocated to Kelowna and were overjoyed to have their sons and family nearby. Heather's grandchildren were a special part of her life and she took great pleasure in spending time with them, watching them grow and teasing them with her sharp sense of humour. She would always have a book at the ready to encourage the grandchildren to hop onto her lap and learn to read. Heather was always grateful for their love and the love their parents gave them. She loved her family dearly and reminded them always "family first," the lesson that mattered most to Heather, the eternal teacher.
Heather is lovingly remembered by her husband of 46 years, Les; son Sean, wife Karen, grandson Finn and granddaughter Noni; son Ryan, wife Stephanie, grandsons, Owen and Ethan, and her extended family the Hendersons (brother Billy), Beeks, Adams, Lalondes and many other cousins, relatives and dear friends from all chapters of Heather's life.
Cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will be held to celebrate Heather's life.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 18, 2021