Beaudoin, Heather Jane (nee Cameron), the beloved mother and best friend to her three children—Anne Marie (Andrew), Cameron, and John Paul, and son-like nephew, Sean Quinn (Libby & daughter Jenna) and her little dog, Emma —passed away peacefully at the age of 82.
She was raised in Beaverton with her father owning Cameron & Cameron Hardware store (before it became Gillespie Hardware). She spent part of her younger days living in Ottawa, but moved to Toronto to start her career at the Toronto Telegram on the Action Line. This adventurous position had her tour dignitaries throughout various parts of the city, but also led to her popping out of a manhole on Yonge Street dressed as a pink bunny rabbit for Easter! She was willing to take on any challenge with grace and strength and never backed down.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul Beaudoin in 2001. She embarked on the second act of her life with a new energy. Heather faced three different types of cancer over 19 years, yet she never allowed her health struggles to hinder her zest for life. At an age when most people would be slowing down, Heather’s adventures multiplied. She took up theatre, gracing the stage in over a dozen plays. At 65, she got her first tattoo—a testament to her free spirit, and to the antics she and her cousin and best friend, Rossie Baillie, would get into when they traveled! From whale watching in the Atlantic, rafting through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River and tubing behind a boat on Lake Simcoe at age 80,Heather embraced life’s adventures with open arms. She loved Beaverton, and her community benefited from her selflessness as she organized free Christmas dinners for the town, volunteered at the food bank, library, and became a constant pillar of support for family and friends.
Her life was more than a battle against cancer; it was an inspiring journey that touched the hearts of all who knew her. Heather’s unwavering positivity and indomitable spirit made her a champion for cutting-edge cancer treatments, offering hope to thousands who would follow in her footsteps. Her kindness, generosity, and optimism remained steadfast, even in the face of adversity. Her door was always open and friends and family would enjoy many conversations around her kitchen table.
Heather had only one sibling, her loving sister Anne (deceased) (Bob) Parker. She will be missed dearly by her niece Cathy (Scott) and nephews Mike, David, Steve, Geoff and their spouses and children. She was the daughter of Edward and Frances (nee Nettelfield) Cameron (deceased). She was the loved sister-in-law to Anne Quinn (Charley deceased), Denise (deceased)(Chris) Pearce, Julie (Bill) Pearce, Philip Beaudoin (deceased) and Liz (Charles) and niece and nephews. Heather was raised in Beaverton and was first cousins to the Baillie clan; James (Liz) , Elizabeth (Mike), Donald (deceased), Bill (Annie) and Rossie. She loved to spend time with them all and was known to them as “Hezzie Jane”. She was known as an “Aunt Heather” to Neil, Brenna (Paul) and Megan. She was also a committed neighbourhood “grandmother” to Brooklyn and Abby Hanson. She had lifelong friendships with Lynne Still and Ellen Jarvis. As we bid farewell, we hold her memory close, cherishing the light she brought into our lives.
Heathers celebration of life will be held on Sunday May 26, 2024 at the Beaverton Town Hall (2nd floor auditorium/theatre) 397 Simcoe St. Beaverton from 2-5 p.m. with words of remembrance from 3-4 p.m. If desired, memorial donations to the Brock Food Bank would be appreciated. Online condolences are welcome at www.manganfuneralhome.com