Heather Horne

An Angel on Earth

Our beautiful daughter, Heather Horne, passed away on May 6, 2009, surrounded by family and friends, after a very courageous and brave battle with MS.

She was born on Dec. 24, 1971 (Christmas Eve) and we are sure there must have been a bright star shining in the east. She was born to Sharon and Jack Horne at the Holy Cross Hospital.

As a small child she loved swimming, dancing, school, and, most of all, boating.  Most vacations were spent on the water with family and friends- our houseboat at Lake Powell, Lake Mead, or fishing on Yellowstone Lake or camping in the forest in the motor home.  She enjoyed trips to the family cabin at the top of Lambs Canyon.

She started school at Rowland Hall St. Marks at the age of 3 and continued her education there, and after 16 years, received the RHSM Longevity Award.

Heather was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 17- before her Senior Year at RHSM.  The disease was very aggressive and she walked with a cane much of that year.  She was so blessed to have Jack Petajan as her doctor as he always took wonderful care of her.

Heather traveled to Spain with her classmates her senior year and it was one of the highlights of her life. She was so happy to use her Spanish language skills. She loved the Spanish language and continued learning it throughout her life.

She received a Utah Achievement Award scholarship from RHSM.

She attended the University of Utah for 10 years, using a scooter to get around campus. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.  She was affiliated with the Delta Gamma Sorority, and it thrilled her to be a part of the Sorority.  After she left, the Sorority installed a wheelchair ramp to help others in wheelchairs who may want to join.

Heather volunteered as a Self-Help Group Leader with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and acted as a Confidant Resource and Advocate for individuals in pursuit of their goals.  She received the community Ambassador recognition from the MS Society after she helped to lead the “Beyond MS” and “Knowledge is Power” groups.  Heather always remained committed to service and acting responsibly.

Heather was in the Ms. Wheelchair Utah Pageant three years ago.  She was beautiful and handled herself in a very professional manner, displaying her warm personality for all.  This pageant gave her a chance to prove there was much, much more to Heather than just a disability. She showed her pure Ability and strong Will. As an example of her will, Heather chose to use a manual wheelchair for 16 years to maintain her upper body strength, when she could have more easily used an electric wheelchair.

Our lives are like a deck of cards, and we live with the hand we are dealt- and we can choose to make life happy, or unhappy. Heather chose to always be happy and enthusiastic about life. Heather was a beautiful person, inside and out, and was always kind and helpful to everyone. She was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.  Friendships and people were very important to her – and the friendships she made were everlasting!  She was the bravest person, and everyone’s hero.

Heather had a great love for dogs.  She leaves behind her best friend and joy,  a Bichon Frise named “Razz Matazz”.

A special thanks to Eugene Daley, a physical therapist at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, for his 12 years of friendship, caring and kindness to our Heather.  He always uplifted her to do more.

Steve Wilkins, Las Vegas, NV, Heather’s fiancé of 16 years, brought so much joy and fun into Heather’s life. Heather loved traveling to Las Vegas, and they enjoyed their similar interests together – the symphony, opera, ballet, and fine dining.  Thank you, Steve, for all your kindness, compassion, and love for our precious daughter.

Uncle Grant Horne was so important to Heather throughout her whole life, and supported her in everything she did. She loved when he stayed in our home, and they enjoyed speaking Spanish to each other.  She really looked forward to his weekly phone calls and emails throughout her life.

Sharon’s twin sister Shanna Patterson was Heather’s “other Mother” and helped take care of Heather from the day she was born and was involved in a daily manner loving and caring for Heather.  Heather enjoyed her daily phone calls with Shanna.

Heather Horne is survived by her mother, Sharon, father, John N. Horne, 5 brothers, Tom Horne (Wendy), Kevin Horne (Carrie), Chris Horne (Mary), Dave Horne, and Doug Horne (Lois).  Special Aunt Shanna Patterson and cousin/“sister” Melanie Vande Griend (Scott), Special Uncle Grant N. Horne (San Fransisco) Special Aunt (Ruth Lundgren). Many, many special aunts, uncles and cousins and friends.

Services will be held at the LDS Chapel 4558 S, 600 E, Saturday, May 9, 2009, at 1PM.  Viewing one hour prior to services.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Heather’s name to Salt Lake Regional Rehabilitation, 1050 E S. Temple, SLC UT 84102, or email saltlakeregional@iasishealthcare.com

Thank you to all the wonderful nurses and staff at the ICU Unit at Intermountain Medical Center for the wonderful care. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

“Time to Say Goodbye – I’ll Go With You.”