Heather Tetzlaff Smith

Heather Marie Tetzlaff Smith, 47, of South Bend, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a prolonged battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Heather was often referred to by those she touched after her diagnosis as a hero, but it was her work prior to, as well as throughout her struggle against MS that best illustrated her dedication to those less fortunate. A champion of women’s rights, Heather’s professional career included work with women and families impacted by domestic violence, first at the South Bend YWCA and then with the Domestic Violence Unit of the St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Her faith and spiritual base afforded Heather continuous belief in Providence - that it never fails - and as such, she was able to influence others through her unwavering faith.

Heather’s designation as a Providence Associate with the Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN) befits her ongoing ties to the college, the campus, and the students who followed her path at the school. Such loyalty likewise accompanied Heather’s three-decade relationship with Riley High School, both her classmates and the myriad friends and alumni connections she fostered long after graduation.

Her knack for bringing people together resulted in friends enjoying and sharing her adoration of music, movies, dancing, and concerts. Heather’s voracious and expansive knowledge of pop culture was fostered by early interest in icons Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, and James Dean.

When her mobility became limited by the disease, Heather — as was her habit — took advantage of the situation by embarking on a journey to watch, discuss, and appreciate each of American Film Institute’s Top 100 Movies of All Time.

Her fondness of and participation in theater and affection and talent with the written word were aspects of Heather’s life that remained with her, as did an enviable autograph collection, one doubtless accrued in part because of an endearing smile and warmth few could disregard.

Heather’s wry humor and sharp wit will forever define her casual gatherings with friends, family, and colleagues, but those enviable traits paled in comparison to her innate desire to help others — her intuitive gift of counsel for those in need never waned despite her circumstances.

Heather was tireless in her fundraising efforts for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and was fittingly honored at the YWCA Fundraiser, “A Tribute to Women.” In like manner, she became a member of the Signature Healthcare Hall of Fame in 2015.

Heather is survived by her 13-year-old son, Ezra (the light of her life), mother, Deb, and father, Burt, as well as younger sister Hillary Beck, her husband Ryan, and niece Daisy (6) and nephew Pike (4), who she affectionately referred to as “the Littles.”

During her pregnancy with Ezra, Heather took a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France; she believed in miracles. And during her final days — often non-responsive — Heather briefly awoke to a picture held by her dear sister at her bedside. It was of St. Mother Theodore Guerin, the foundress of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Heather responded that it was a photograph of “my saint.”

They are together in heaven.

Memorial contributions may be made to the YWCA of Northern Indiana.  #SuckitMS

A Memorial Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, January 28, 2017 at the Cathedral of St. Matthew, 1701 Miami St., South Bend, IN.  Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday at the Palmer Community Complex, (formerly Newton Center) 601 N. Michigan St., Lakeville, IN where a rosary will be recited at 3:00 p.m.  A Celebration of Life service will take place at 7:00 p.m. Friday following the visitation.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

 Service Information