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Welcome to the memorial page for
Heather Tetzlaff Smith
December 18, 1969 ~ January 21, 2017 (age 47) 47 Years Old Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
Message from Theresa Shen
November 22, 2017 9:43 PM
Heather and I were in SMWC together. I visited the college today after 20+ years and learned about Heather's passing. My heart is broken for your tragic lose, but I know your beautiful Heather is with the Lord. She was a beautiful individual, I can still see her smile, hear her laughter; her voice is crystal clear. Please pray for us, dear Heather...
A candle was lit by Karen Kowals
on February 16, 2017 8:38 PM
Message from Jennifer Rondeau Sider
January 29, 2017 9:51 PM
I never got to meet Heather in person, but I looked forward to her daily posts! She spread sunshine wherever she was! Heather will be missed, but I know that our Lord isn't done with her yet! We love you Heather!
A candle was lit by Jennifer Rondeau Sider
on January 29, 2017 9:49 PM
Message from Shirley and Bernard Waggoner
January 28, 2017 8:29 AM
I am writing on behalf of my parents, Bernie and Shirley Waggoner of South Bend. My parents do not own a computer so they asked if I would please send their regards. Their prayers are with Heather and her family.
Message from Dan Kovacs/Don Jonas
January 27, 2017 10:13 AM
Deb and Bert and family,
very sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers are with you!
very sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers are with you!
A candle was lit by Leanna Hardesty
on January 27, 2017 5:08 AM
Message from Jerry McGlocklin
January 26, 2017 2:18 PM
Your "Angel" touched my heart many years ago and I still feel blessed. My heart and love is with you all.
A candle was lit by Jerry McGlocklin
on January 26, 2017 2:14 PM
Message from Dr. Ilana Kirsch
January 26, 2017 10:30 AM
Heather was always an inspiration to me and my office staff, with her constant upbeat attitude despite all her pain and struggles with her body. We will all miss her.
Message from Julie Guzzi
January 26, 2017 2:50 AM
So sorry for your loss. She was without a doubt a special lady.
A candle was lit by Julie Guzzi
on January 26, 2017 2:48 AM
A candle was lit by Kaczmarek family
on January 25, 2017 8:54 PM
A candle was lit by Lisa and kyle kaczmarek
on January 25, 2017 8:51 PM
Message from Doug Kurowski
January 25, 2017 6:44 PM
Although we never meet in person. Heather was in my heart and will always remain there forever.. Love Doug
A candle was lit by Doug Kurowski
on January 25, 2017 6:33 PM
A candle was lit by Dawn Hoffman Smith
on January 25, 2017 4:38 PM
A candle was lit by Anika Corr
on January 25, 2017 3:52 PM
A candle was lit by Shelly
on January 25, 2017 1:45 PM
Message from Camesha Hervey
January 25, 2017 11:58 AM
I Loved Heather the moment we met when my Mom worked at the YWCA with her and they became fast friends! Later I worked for Heather at the YWCA through a summer program and then she offered me a permanent position and we became very close! I often asked her advice for my Cousin who was diagnosed with MS a year ago and she was very encouraging! I will miss her!
Message from Rachel L. (Steele) Gabler
January 25, 2017 11:24 AM
My heart is heavy. From our Kindergarten days through our adult days Heather always had that bright smile. She knew no stranger & was always willing to extend her help expecting nothing in return. Her memory will forever remain with me - her smile & laugh will be missed by many.
A candle was lit by Rachel L. (Steele) Gabler
on January 25, 2017 11:19 AM
A candle was lit by Amy Stiffler
on January 25, 2017 6:03 AM
Message from Dee (Feitz) Edson
January 25, 2017 3:46 AM
Dear Tetzlaff Family,
I'm very sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one, the grief that comes with it. Cling tightly to God, and to each other, and try to take comfort that she is in Heaven now, healthy, happy and with the Lord. May God bless you all and keep you wrapped in His loving arms.
I'm very sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one, the grief that comes with it. Cling tightly to God, and to each other, and try to take comfort that she is in Heaven now, healthy, happy and with the Lord. May God bless you all and keep you wrapped in His loving arms.
Message from Amy Davis
January 24, 2017 11:33 PM
You will be missed my MS sister! You fought the good fight! Now your light is shining from above. My condolences are with this family❤️
Message from April Abbiehl
January 24, 2017 10:38 PM
To the Tetzlaff family, you are all in my prayers. I want to thank you for raising such an amazingly strong, confident, caring, inspiring woman. Heather brought a glow, and a way to make everyone smile wherever she went. She would conquer anything that came in her way. I am blessed to say that she is a friend of mine, and she will be missed by many. Heather is a free Angel now and will be with u always. Love u all
Message from Karen Brandy-Comer
January 24, 2017 10:18 PM
My heart is heavy, but my spirit rejoices knowing that Heather is at peace, & that she won the battle! All my love & prayers to the family. Ez, you are constantly in my prayers. Your mother loves you, you are her pride & joy. Cry, be angry, but remember the strong woman that your mother is, & continue the path that she started for you.
Again, my condolences & much love.
Again, my condolences & much love.
A candle was lit by April Abbiehl
on January 24, 2017 10:08 PM
Message from tracey york
January 24, 2017 9:52 PM
r.i.p friend
A candle was lit by tracey york
on January 24, 2017 9:51 PM
Message from Suzanne Mariottini
January 24, 2017 9:40 PM
Dear Heather,
You managed to light up everything and everyone around you just with your smile and touch. God blessed you with many gifts, the biggest gift was your love of God and life itself. You fought hard and long. God saw your kindness and knew he needed you more to be our angel than to be here physically with us. That being said, you will be greatly missed. May your angel dust gently sprinkle upon us from the heavens above. Rest easy now my friend and fly high and pain free.
You managed to light up everything and everyone around you just with your smile and touch. God blessed you with many gifts, the biggest gift was your love of God and life itself. You fought hard and long. God saw your kindness and knew he needed you more to be our angel than to be here physically with us. That being said, you will be greatly missed. May your angel dust gently sprinkle upon us from the heavens above. Rest easy now my friend and fly high and pain free.
A candle was lit by Laura Minx
on January 24, 2017 9:36 PM
A candle was lit by Suzanne Mariottini
on January 24, 2017 9:36 PM
Message from Laura Minx
January 24, 2017 9:35 PM
To Heather's family
I send all my love and prayer's to u all, So sorry, on Heather's passing I met Heather 12 year's ago or so .I went to a Biogen lunch I was new to South Bend I didn't know anyone with M.S..A lady game me her phone number, I called her and we became friends. whenever I had a question about Ms. I would ask Heather.
I went to visit her, in rehab a year ago .I was hoping and praying she would pull through again like last time. there is a big hole in my hear. I am sure the same in everybody's elce's too who knew her and loved her. A special prayer also goes out to Ezra who was her special Joy in her heart .She wll be missed in a huge way. Sending u all ,prayer's and Love. Laura xox.
I send all my love and prayer's to u all, So sorry, on Heather's passing I met Heather 12 year's ago or so .I went to a Biogen lunch I was new to South Bend I didn't know anyone with M.S..A lady game me her phone number, I called her and we became friends. whenever I had a question about Ms. I would ask Heather.
I went to visit her, in rehab a year ago .I was hoping and praying she would pull through again like last time. there is a big hole in my hear. I am sure the same in everybody's elce's too who knew her and loved her. A special prayer also goes out to Ezra who was her special Joy in her heart .She wll be missed in a huge way. Sending u all ,prayer's and Love. Laura xox.
A candle was lit by Julie Million with love prayers and precious memories
on January 24, 2017 9:23 PM
A candle was lit by The beauty of your loving spririt ❤️
on January 24, 2017 9:22 PM
Message from Bob Harke (Riley HS teacher)
January 24, 2017 9:19 PM
What a fabulous life, gone too soon.
A candle was lit by Kristie Brock
on January 24, 2017 8:51 PM
A candle was lit by Mona and Samantha Houston
on January 24, 2017 8:30 PM
Message from Pam Wellman
January 24, 2017 8:00 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with Heather's family during this difficult time. God Bless You.
Message from Myrtha McKinney
January 24, 2017 7:45 PM
My condolences for your loss. I worked with Heather at the YWCA from 1993 until she left there. I found her to be warm and friendly. Her smile always made you feel special. She was funny, witty and loving in her manner toward others. The clients loved her and she knew her job. She will be missed. Myrtha
A candle was lit by Sorry for your loss.TERRY IVORY
on January 24, 2017 7:43 PM
A candle was lit by Im so sorry for your loss...
on January 24, 2017 7:41 PM
Message from Roz
January 24, 2017 7:38 PM
Heather and I met in kindergarten. We started off as fast friends who called each other Heathie Bug and Ozzie Bug. We got into all sorts of mischief from there on out. The silly, sad, and supportive memories have been created, but will be held forever in my heart. Heather's strength and light will carry on. #pnf
Message from Sherry Starkey
January 24, 2017 7:35 PM
Very sorry🎗
A candle was lit by Roslyn Miller Ricker
on January 24, 2017 7:34 PM
A candle was lit by Elsie
on January 24, 2017 7:28 PM
A candle was lit by Mia lofland
on January 24, 2017 7:18 PM
Message from The Balderas family
January 24, 2017 7:10 PM
My constant thoughts and prayers are with all of you, Deb, Burt, Hill, Ryan, Ezra, Daisy, and Pike! Heather will be missed so dearly by our family.
Message from Jimmy Dillon
January 24, 2017 7:00 PM
Sorry for loss prayers
Message from Kathy Bunker Goetschius
January 24, 2017 6:53 PM
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for my Tetzlaff family. I never got to meet Heather in person, but seeing her posts on Facebook made me believe life is good no matter what it throws at you!
Sending lots of prayers and hugs.
~Kathy~
Sending lots of prayers and hugs.
~Kathy~
Message from Daniell Tetzlaff
January 24, 2017 6:47 PM
It is a shame we never did meet, but I have heard many wonderful stories about you. As a fellow Riley alumni and married in to this very large Tetzlaff family, rest in peace. Love and condolence to Deb, Burt, Ezra, and
Message from Pamela Boundy
January 24, 2017 6:46 PM
I did not know Heather, but having multiple sclerosis myself, reading her life story touched me, as I'm sure she touched so many. My prayers go out to her family
A candle was lit by Kathy Bunker Goetschius
on January 24, 2017 6:46 PM
A candle was lit by Pamela Boundy
on January 24, 2017 6:41 PM
A candle was lit by Cheryl Mazza
on January 24, 2017 6:30 PM
Message from Becky Broxson
January 24, 2017 6:10 PM
I am truely very sorry for the loss of this wonderful young lady. Life is but only a minute, she made her minute known on this earth and left her foot prints... God bless you all... I knew her through the ms support groups but she touched my heart!
Message from Laura Jo Swartley, SMWC Class of '94
January 24, 2017 6:02 PM
I was heartbroken when I heard about Heather. I admired her greatly. I know what a wonderful friend she was to the people who clearly adored her.
Message from Larry Dodd
January 24, 2017 6:01 PM
Sad that Heather has passed. A wonderful person, friend, and daughter even though I wasn't in her life much she was loved by me and her brothers Lonnie and Brian.
Why they weren't mentioned in her obit I will probably never know but they should have been.
I was not mentioned either but that ok the brothers should have been.
God Bless you Heather as you will be missed.
Deb call me some time please 630-306-2921.
Larry Dodd
Why they weren't mentioned in her obit I will probably never know but they should have been.
I was not mentioned either but that ok the brothers should have been.
God Bless you Heather as you will be missed.
Deb call me some time please 630-306-2921.
Larry Dodd
A candle was lit by Laura Jo Swartley
on January 24, 2017 6:00 PM
A candle was lit by RIP ❤️ May you dance with the angels now ❤️
on January 24, 2017 5:53 PM
A candle was lit by Mary England
on January 24, 2017 5:51 PM
A candle was lit by The Bradley Clark Family
on January 24, 2017 5:48 PM
Message from Nicholas Maisel
January 24, 2017 5:45 PM
My condolences go to the Tetzlaff Family. Heather and I were classmates at Riley. She will be dearly missed. God bless.
Message from Merryl Sherwood (Kirkham); Riley High School Class of 1988
January 24, 2017 5:20 PM
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.
A candle was lit by Nancy Greening Kennedy
on January 24, 2017 5:09 PM
Message from Louella Gary
January 24, 2017 5:02 PM
I met Heather at our Riley All Class Reunion. She had such a wonderful time and had the biggest smile all night. What a joy to see her and the joy she displayed that night.
A candle was lit by Louella Gary
on January 24, 2017 5:00 PM
A candle was lit by Mark Fairbanks
on January 24, 2017 4:50 PM
A candle was lit by Jenny Harr and Family
on January 24, 2017 4:35 PM
A candle was lit by Debra Anders
on January 24, 2017 4:24 PM
Message from Kristina Allen
January 24, 2017 4:10 PM
I met Heather as we both became Providence Associate Candidates. That weekend was such a special weekend to come to know the wonderful, witty, intelligent woman that she was. It was that weekend, that we both added each other on Facebook and kept up on each other's lives. Heather would post pictures of our favorites in concert,sometimes with a tag to make sure I saw her hugging our favorite! I treasured her instant messages of encouragement and celebrated her victories with MS. When I heard that she had passed I gasped because the world was a much better place with her in it and for the son she would leave behind. I also rejoiced because Heaven gained a wonderful Woodsie, who was free from the ravages of the illness! In the days to come, I pray that Providence surrounds you, comforts you and let's you know in special ways that Heather is watching over all of you now. God bless and keep each one of you.
Kristina Allen (Woodsie13, PA)
Kristina Allen (Woodsie13, PA)
A candle was lit by Kristina Allen
on January 24, 2017 4:03 PM
Message from Georgette Shindledecker
January 24, 2017 4:00 PM
Dear Burton and Deb and all of the Tetzloff family.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand. Prayers.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand. Prayers.
Message from Chris Pickenpaugh
January 24, 2017 3:57 PM
I don't think I've met anyone who projected so much buoyancy in the face of adversity as Heather did. She always appeared devoted to and passionate about her faith, and amused and delighted by pop art and life's odd turns. She will be deeply missed by many, but surely remembered for the fun she sought and the big heart she wore on her sleeve. My condolences to family and friends.
A candle was lit by Anna Crist
on January 24, 2017 3:56 PM
Message from Hope Sibley Vollmer
January 24, 2017 3:34 PM
My heartfelt and sincere condolences to all of Heather's family. Heather was a light in this world, like no other. Her beautiful smile always belied her inner beauty, I will cherish my memories of sharing laughs with Heather and will carry her in my heart, always. LOVE
A candle was lit by Beata- sending love, hugs and prayers
on January 24, 2017 3:32 PM
A candle was lit by Hope Sibley Vollmer
on January 24, 2017 3:30 PM
Message from Joe E. Duke Jr. & family
January 24, 2017 3:25 PM
She didn't lose her battle with MS; God wanted his angel to come home. She is and always will be a true warrior. R.I.H. & I know you got plenty of concerts to visit up there. ✌🏿
A candle was lit by Tom and Cathy Eader
on January 24, 2017 3:23 PM
Message from Allie Sabo
January 24, 2017 3:20 PM
In 1995/1996 I was a Social Work major at Saint Mary's College in South Bend and I was assigned my senior year to work at the YWCA Women's Shelter. Heather was my boss, mentor, and friend during that year. She pushed me farther than I thought that I could in terms of the role I played at the shelter. She encouraged me during the writing of my final thesis, she took me to her home and fed me when I was too broke to have money for lunch #tomatosandwiches. We laughed a ton, shared details of our lives, and prayed together when we needed it. I will never, ever forget Heather and the impact that she made on my life. I rejoice in her life and I just know she is among her Saints as they have welcomed her with open arms.
A candle was lit by Kim & Mike Pehling
on January 24, 2017 3:08 PM
A candle was lit by Kelly Grahl
on January 24, 2017 2:40 PM
Message from Linda Langston
January 24, 2017 11:40 AM
Tetzlaff family- My heart is in two pieces with the passing of Heather. Heather will always be such an inspiration to others.
Love to all
Love to all
Message from Mark Lewis
January 26, 2017 1:51 PM
Rest in Peace my '88 Riley High friend.
A candle was lit by Linda Langston
on January 24, 2017 11:38 AM
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