Heather Jane Wallingford

May 10, 1936- August 11, 2025.

It is with heavy hearts that Heather’s family announces her passing on August 11, 2025 at the North Bay Regional Health Center. Heather was surrounded by family and the love that she fostered in everyone she met. Heather was a pillar of strength and led a life of excitement and wonder, never stopping to rest. She did more in her lifetime than most could do in five and she will forever be in our hearts and memories. 

Heather is predeceased by her beloved husband, Harold Beaudry, and leaves behind a legacy of love through her children: Randy (Cathy), Alex, Roxanne (Kim), Cassandra (Julie!), and Darcy (Donna Lynn), each of whom carries cherished memories of their mother. Remembering their dear Nana with warmth and affection are her grandchildren: Sam, Jessica (Will), Courtney (Liam), Pierce, Dawson (Baylee), Kale, and Keon (Ashley). Her great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Benelli, will also miss their Great Nana’s gentle presence. Heather is fondly remembered by her sister Annabel (Ed) and her extended family, nieces, nephews and great-nephew: Rainer (deceased), Dana (Fraser), Keir (Diana), Bonnie, Shane, and his son Ben, who mourn her passing, reflecting on the kindness and strength she shared with them all.

Born in Cornwall and raised in Toronto, Heather attended Earl Haig Secondary School, spending much of her time playing on various sports teams - not typical for women in the 1950s! This love of sports began her lifelong passion for health, fitness and living a good life. Heather continued her education at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1958 as a Physical and Occupational Therapist. Moving to Sudbury in 1968 with her first husband, Ron Wallingford, Heather’s career took on many paths. Heather always focused her attention on supporting others and had a strong belief in your ability rather than disability. She was an advocate for children, adults, and seniors in many professions and capacities throughout her life and career. She often spoke fondly of working with INCO miners and being the girl in charge of the room! Heather’s most recent focus was working with senior citizens where she promoted aging well through movement. She was a supporter of the arts and known as a lifelong giver, knower of all, and happy to share her experience, knowledge and words of wisdom. She was fearless and demonstrated this in her relocation to North Bay in 2017 where Heather joined the community with full force. Heather joined clubs, taught art classes, made new friends, and supported senior’s wellness, but her focus on good health never stopped Heather from passing a Dairy Queen without stopping.

She continued to learn and grow as life changed. Heather started downhill skiing at the age of 50 and this activity was something that she and Hal loved to do together. There were many ski trips to Boyne, Michigan for March break ski week, which also became a family favourite. This is where Heather’s generosity and love of family is fondly remembered in stories, photos and unbreakable bonds. Grandkids will also remember learning to swim off the end of the dock at the camp on Armstrong Lake with Nana’s magic rope. Heather discovered the camp, owned by Harold, on a weekend date that changed the next four decades of her life through their shared enjoyment and pure love of nature, the water, and the tranquility they found there together. Heather became an artist during this time and her reflections of nature were prolific and passed on to her grandchildren during their extended summer visits. Heather also supported many charitable organizations in the Sudbury and North Bay areas by donating hand painted original pieces. Nothing was safe from Heather’s brush. Painting on glasses, Christmas balls, napkins, furniture and any item or person that stood still for long enough! No surface was off limits! Heather continued to enjoy her summers at the camp, also known as her happy place, with no electricity or running water, but always an endless supply of books, paint, and sugar water for the hummingbirds. She continued to spend every summer there until this year when she had to admit, at the age of 89, that she was too old to be there alone.

Heather lived a life full of energy and five weeks of failing health was enough time to make sure we were ready to say goodbye. She will be greatly missed. The family would like to extend words of gratitude and thanks to Dr. Renée Gauthier, the staff on D3 at North Bay Regional Health Center, and Sudbury’s Health Services North. In particular, Heather’s friend and companion, Harvey, is appreciated for making her feel so special. Harvey brought new promises of Heather’s next adventures.

Details regarding a Celebration of Life will be announced soon.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Heather’s name that supports the arts would be appreciated.

To honour Heather, her art work will be on display at the Alex Dufresne Gallery beginning Saturday, October 4, 2025. All proceeds from the sale of Heather’s work will be donated to the gallery.