Heather Saunders, resident of North Bay, passed away on March 6, 2025 at Nipissing Serenity Hospice at the age of 48.
Heather was born and raised in southwestern Ontario (Tillsonburg and Delhi). Brimming with creativity and a love of learning, Heather was a star pupil from her earliest years through to her Honours BA with High Distinction in Art & Art History and her dual Masters in History of Art and Library and Information Studies (University of Toronto). She passionately pursued a career in art and academia, as Art Librarian at Purchase College (SUNY), Manager at Harris Learning Library (Nipissing University), Director of Ingalls Library (Cleveland Museum of Art), Copyright and Scholarly Communications Librarian (University of Winnipeg), and Dean of Libraries and Archives (Acadia University).
Heather was diagnosed March 2023 with a glioblastoma brain tumour, which was a daunting prospect. Although she suffered many challenges with language, memory, and fatigue, and some rare and unexpected complications from treatment, she was fortunate to preserve her warm and thoughtful personality, optimistic outlook, and desire to make the most of the time available.
She is sadly missed by her husband, Anthony Tremblay, sister, Julie Saunders (Mark Nitz), and many beloved nieces and nephews. Heather was predeceased by parents Denis and Edith (Whitfield) Saunders.
The family wishes to invite friends and relatives to attend a celebration of life on Saturday March 15, 2025, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Hillside Funeral Services in North Bay (326 Airport Rd, North Bay, ON P1B 8W9, 705-474-7655), which will also be made available online (details to follow). An additional celebration will be planned in Heather’s hometown area of Delhi later this year in the warmer weather, so that there is a geographically suitable option for everyone.
Memorial donations may be made to Valley Regional Hospital Foundation https://www.vrhfoundation.ca/memorial-in-honour-gifts/ (Kentville, NS, where Heather initially received care), The Brain Campaign at University Health Network https://support.uhnfoundation.ca/site/Donation2?2740.donation=form1&df_id=2740&mfc_pref=T&set.SingleDesignee=1081 (where Heather had neurosurgery at Toronto Western Hospital and cancer treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital), or the charity of your choice. Condolences, favourite memories, and stories can be shared with the family at www.hillsidefuneral.ca.