Obituary of Heather Ann de Jong

Heather Ann de Jong April 13, 1951 ~ May 27, 2019 On May 27th, 2019 we lost our beloved Wife, Mom, Grandmother and friend as Heather rode off into the sunrise one last time. Heather grew up in Cranbrook and in the South Country on her grandparents' ranch in the Sand Creek Valley before it was flooded by the Libby Dam. After college in Vermillion, A.B, Heather moved back to Cranbrook, where she met John. They married in 1974 and settled in Jaffray, B.C to raise their family of five kids. As we grew, Mom pursued her love of family and local history and developed her passion for storytelling. Mom enjoyed entertaining audiences as Mountain Mumma! Mom tried her best to spark our interest in our South Country roots with stories of the Good Ol' Days. Mom loved talking with Oldtimers and soaked up their stories like a sponge. She stood up for us, our friends and our classmates when warranted, and welcomed the neighbourhood kids into our boisterous family. She also welcomed the animals that visited our own zoo regularly- Clydesdales, llamas, donkeys and pygmy goats- Mom happily put up with them all. Once retired, history became her new passion, and she was determined to become an expert on her favourite historical figures. Her traveling days came to an end, but her research just grew. Heather's family was her pride, and we were all blessed to have had opportunities very recently to spend time with Mom -and each other- and created more wonderful memories to hold us during her recent health challenges. Heather was predeceased by her parents Velda & Roden Desrosiers, grandparents Joe & Florence Desrosiers and Margaret Jones, and numerous aunts and uncles. She is survived by her husband John de Jong; children Amber (David), Angela (Jon), Ian (Raylene), Teri (Ryan) and Sandy; grandchildren Kenley, James, Abriel & Hazel-Ann; and many cherished family and friends. Her life motto was summarized well on a piece of paper we found tucked away last week: Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave in a well- preserved body; but rather to skid in sideways, worn out, shouting, "Whoo-ee... What a ride!" A Celebration of Heather's Life will be held on Friday June 7th at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, Jaffray, B.C at 1:00 PM Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family may be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com