Heather Duggan (nee Kirby)
June 28, 1947 to March 16, 2023
Obituary
To view the funeral service for the late Heather Duggan on Wednesday, March 22nd at 2:00 p.m., please follow the link below:
Our family matriarch Heather passed peacefully away at home in the presence of her family on March 16, 2023, after a two-year challenge with ovarian cancer. She faced this with strength, grace and courage and was pragmatic from the start and until the end.
She was predeceased by her parents Bill and Cathie (Douglas) Kirby; her brother Ian (Bernadette) and his twin sister Catherine Adams Tobin and nephew Mark Kirby.
Leaving to mourn her devoted and cherished husband and soul mate of 27 years, Alan Cook; her daughters Kathleen Kelly (Norm) of Calgary and Kirby LeGrow (Colin) of Bauline and step-son Jim Cook of Sydney Australia.
She leaves her amazing grandchildren; Nadja Cook in Brisbane, Australia, Kendra and Keon Cheney and their father Fred Cheney in Calgary and Duggan and Hayden LeGrow in Bauline.
She also leaves her nieces Tammy Adams (Richard Rowe), Beth Kirby (Jason Hobbs) and Ashley Dwyer (Patrick) and nephew Billy Adams (Marcina Rodrigues) and their children.
With deep gratitude she acknowledges the support of her soul sisters Diane MacDonald and Leah von Hagen who were by her side for every step of her journey.
With deepest thanks to Dr. Joannie Neveu and her gynecological oncology team at the H Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre for their medical skill and knowledge, compassion and wise counsel; the Paramedic Ambulance Program, Dr Noreen Fardy at the Pain Management Centre and Community Nurse Erin Nugent and Terri Savory. There were so many people who contributed to Heather’s well-being and we are forever grateful for their support.
A farewell gathering will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 2:00pm with reception to follow from 3:00-5:00pm at the family home.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to THE HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION OF ST. JOHN’S INC. Donations will be used to fulfill Heather’s wishes to donate a Cuddle Bed for patients in palliative care. http://healthcarefoundation.ca/donate/ or call 709-777-5926.
Schedule
funeral
2:00pm, Wednesday March 22nd
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
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Heather was a dear friend of mine when we lived in Gander, NL. I have many beautiful memories of the time we spent together. Deepest condolences to Kathleen & Kirby & all of Heather’s family.
So sorry to just read about your loss.. please accept our condolences to you and your family
Alan, Denis Barry is currently out of the country but both he and I (Lillian – assistant) are so sorry to hear of Heather’s passing and send our deepest condolences to you and your family.
My sincere condolences to Alan and all of Heather’s family.. I went to school with Heather. In recent years Heather and I met up again learning to play bridge.. Also some years ago she brought her Mom to our exercise classes. Heather was a beautiful lady and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
I knew Heather when we were 5 years old, and remained one of my closest friends. It is with great sadness to hear of her passing,, fond memories of our time together..
Condolences to Alan and her family.
Janet and Dave Mattingley
Dear Alan, Kate, Kirby and family,
We mourn Heather’s passing deeply. She was our dear friend and a wonderful person- kind, generous, caring, compassionate, thoughtful, fun and funny! We only have to look through our photos and are flooded with so many great memories of times spent together. John O’Donohue, in his book “To Bless the Space Between Us,” reminds us what we think Heather would have wished for those of us missing her vibrant presence in our lives.
“Let us not look for your only in memory,
Where we would grow lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence,
Beside us when beauty brightens,
When kindness glows
And music echoes eternal tones.
When orchids brighten the earth,
Darkest winter has turned to spring;
May this dark grief flower with hope
In every heart that loves you.”
Our hearts are with you all at such a difficult time.
My sincere condolences. My thoughts are with you and yours at this time.
Take good care.
Anne
Dear Alan, and family,
It is with profound sadness that we offer our heartfelt condolences on learning of of Heather’s passing. We feel truly blessed to have known Heather… to have experienced her gentle, witty, and fun-loving presence.
Alan, we have so many lovely, wonderful memories of our visits and dinners with you and Heather over the years. We cannot fathom your grief, and we will miss her, dearly. Please know that we walk with you in spirit at this time. May the many warm and loving memories of Heather surround you and hold you as you move forward in your grief.
Sending our love,
Joy and Robert
Alan and the Kirby family
So sorry to read of Heather’s passing. She and you were so good to mine during my short time at Place Bonaventure.
Sincere condolences,
High Miller
Dear Alan and all the rest of Heather’s clan,
Our sincerest condolences. Heather was a kind, thoughtful, beautiful neighbour and friend. It was an honour to have known her.
Regards,
Gloria Montano and Carolyn Emerson
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of a beautiful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Sending lots of love your way., with sincere condolences. Yvonne & Tony
Alan and family, I am so very sorry to read of Heather’s passing. .She was a beautiful lady both inside and out, always welcoming. ,gentle and kind..
Her friendship was genuine and we loved to visit you both..
My prayers and thoughts are with you all! Heather will be missed greatly by you, her loving family but also by all who felt fortunate to call her friend..
God Bless!
Cathy Sinyard
My thoughts, prayers and condolences to all who knew and loved Heather. I worked with her long ago, but feel her positive spirit still. I’m so sorry for your loss but am grateful for the chance to have worked with and learned from Heather.
I am sorry to hear of Heather’s passing.
You were a perfect match.
I shall never forget her kindness, compassion and being such a good friend. My heart goes to you and all the family.
Unfortunately I can’t make the service as I am down with covid.
Take care and stay strong.
To Heather’s Family: I am so very sorry to hear this sad news and my heart goes out to you. Although we had not been in touch for a while, I have very fond memories of working with Heather (a fellow Pepperdine MSOD alumna) and Diane in Calgary and learning so much from her leadership and her presence. She truly was a special person and will be very much missed. My sincerest condolences.
Kirby, Colin and Family,
So very sorry th hear of your Mom’s passing! Thinking of you all as you gather to celebrate her life!
Irving and Karen
Dear, Alan,Kate,Kirby,,Jim,& Families,
It is so difficult, to say goodbye to my life
long friend., Heather
We shared many good times,and sad times also.
She was always there for you. I knew this day was imminent when I last visited and spoke to her about 2 wks. ago., I have so many memories of Heather which I’ll cherish forever,
My thought’s and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.God Speed , Heather, your forever friend, Arlene
Harold and I send our heartfelt condolences to the entire family on Heather’s passing. We have such wonderful memories of our time together during the World Cruise in 2010.
Heather, sleep tight my beautiful cousin. Much love🏴💙🏴
We were saddened to hear this news today. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Paul Rowe and Mona Rossiter
Kirby and family,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I only knew her for a short time but she always had a kind word and beautiful smile whenever we met. Treasure your many memories,. Blessings to all the family,
Roma Quinton
Alan, we were so saddened to hear of Heather’s passing.It was s pleasure to know her, and her joie de vivre was so evident in all that she did.
Our condolences to you and the family.
Sincerely,
Barb and Bob Tilley
Alan,
We are very saddened that this day has come. Heather was a gracious and beautiful lady who made everybody she met feel immediately comfortable and a little special. Her smile and always warm presence will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.. Take strength from her incredible strength. Deepest condolences. Our prayers are with you.
Hughie & Elizabeth Butt
We were very sad to hear that this day had come.
We knew your Mom (Grandmother, Wife, and Mother-in-Law) well enough to know that she loved dearly and that she was dearly loved. Our condolences to all. We hope that, in the coming days, there will be rest and comfort from remembering the happy times.
Ella and Carl
Kirby and Family,
So very sorry for the loss of your mother, grandmother and wife.
Thinking of you all and sending love at this very difficult time.
Our heartfelt condolences Kathleen & Kirby.
Your mom was an amazing woman and Chris and I are glad to have known her. Much love to you and your whole family during this very sad time.
Katrina & Chris xoxo
Kirby and Collin,
So sad to hear the news of your Mom’s passing Kirby.
I am sure she is now at peace.
My deepest condolences on the passing of your mother, Kate.
Alan, we send you and your family our sympathy. Heather’s death is a grievous loss.
We consider it a privilege that we became friends, rather than neighbours. We will miss the opportunities to share wine, good conversation, and condo affairs.
May Heather rest in peace.
Patrick & Bernetta Mooney