Obituary of Heather Patricia Elia

“Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You”

 

Heather Patricia Elia, beloved mother of Nicole and Paul, cherished wife of Harrison Elia, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 19th 2024 surrounded by her loving family at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, PEI at the age of 31 years.  Precious daughter of Allan Greene (Susie Fraser) and Lynn Brandon (Ian Zaharko).  Heather will be missed by siblings Kali Greene (Greg Hoegy) and Adam Greene (Layne MacEachern).  Dear granddaughter of Rev. Ray Brandon, daughter-in-law of Carmine and Sharon Elia, and sister-in-law of Mads Elia (Corey Pettipas).  Heather will be missed by her niece Bronwyn Hoegy and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  Predeceased by her grandparents; Ralph and Eileen (Jeffrey) Greene and Patricia Brandon, her auntie Pauline Brandon, and uncle Grant Greene.

 

Born in Charlottetown on April 10th 1992 to Allan Greene and Lynn Brandon, Heather spent most of her childhood in Stratford, PEI, where she grew up with big sister Kali and baby brother Adam, sharing many childhood experiences that brought much laughter and so much fun!

 

The Greene family moved to the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island when Heather was 13, where she lived until her university years at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.  After marrying Harrison in 2018, Heather and Harrison lived and worked in the Okanagan for a couple of years before making their home in Hazelbrook PEI in 2019.

 

Heather was a radiant presence in our lives, and her departure leaves a void that can never be filled.  Our memory of Heather will forever remain etched in our hearts as we remember her with profound love and admiration.  Her life was testament to resilience, kindness, generosity of heart, unwavering strength of spirit and determination.  She possessed a vibrant loving spirit that touched the lives of all those fortunate enough to know her.  Heather was described by many as “one in a million”.  She had a big heart and a big smile that could light up any room and her compassionate nature endured her to everyone she met.  Heather’s encouragement, inclusivity and ability to make everyone feel heard and special were qualities that made her shine.  She also had a deep faith and an assurance of heaven.

 

Heather’s greatest joy in life was being a mother to her 2 beautiful children, Nicole and Paul.  She poured her heart and soul into raising them together with her husband, and her love for them knew no bounds.  Heather’s nurturing spirit, wisdom, and unwavering support will forever shape the lives of her family.  She also had an abiding love for her husband, Harrison, and together they created a beautiful home for their family.

 

Heather set the bar high in every area of her life.  Whether it was as an athlete, artist, friend, sibling, daughter, mother, wife, or coworker.  She worked hard and was 100% committed to everything she did, achieving a BSc. Kin (Kinesiology) followed by MSC P.T. (Physiotherapy) from Queen’s University in 2016, where she attended on full scholarship.  She worked as a physiotherapist in the Okanagan and at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown.

 

She was a talented artist, having created a legacy of beautiful paintings throughout her lifetime.  She had a passion for the natural world and loved hiking, camping, walks on the beach, and especially playing there with her children.  A lover of baking, one of her favourite things to do was make cookies.  She loved to read, especially to her children, and grew up playing the piano with an enduring love for music throughout her life - enjoying many local live concerts, which brought her great joy.  She played rep soccer, and enjoyed competitive swimming, as well as cycling and other outdoor challenges - she was especially proud of being a Tough Mudder and triathlon participant.

 

In remembrance of Heather, let us strive to live our lives with the same passion, kindness, and heart-centred focus as she did.  May we honour her memory by seeking laughter, embracing new experiences, and finding moments of blessing each day to share, savour, and cherish with an open heart and enduring love for each other, knowing her spirit is surrounding us always.

 

Resting at Hillsboro Funeral Home from where visiting hours will be held Monday, January 22, 2024 from 4-7 pm.  A funeral service will be held at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Cornwall on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 3 pm.  Interment will take place later at Sherwood Cemetery, Charlottetown. 

 

Memorial donations may be made online to PEI Lung Association (Cancer Research).

 

Thank you to the many healthcare provides at the PEI Cancer Treatment Centre, Palliative Home Care Program, and the staff of Unit 2 and Palliative Care Centre for their wonderful care and compassion.  A special thank you to Dr. Rob Kelley, Dr Daniel French, Dr. Whitlock, Dr. Tiwana, and Dr. M. Lecours.

 

Heather, you will forever remain in our hearts as a shining light of love and compassion.  Your memory will continue to inspire us to live life fully - “Unlimited” - and embrace the beauty of each moment. Rest in eternal peace.