Heather Ann Spring Kariel

Heather Ann (Spring) Kariel

January 23, 1954-January 3, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Heather Spring Kariel announces her sudden passing on January 3, 2021, at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer. Heather fought cancer courageously and with a positive and hopeful spirit that truly inspired us.

Heather was born on January 23, 1954, in Weston, Ontario. She grew up in a military family and spent much of her childhood living at the Royal Canadian Air Force Station Cold Lake. She graduated from Portage Collegiate Institute in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba in 1971. In 1978, Heather received a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics with a major in clothing and textiles from the University of Alberta. After graduation, she worked at various jobs. The most enjoyable was working as a shop-at-home drapery consultant. She met her husband, Doug, through square dancing in Calgary, Alberta in 1982. The two married on June 24, 1983, and moved to Athabasca, Alberta in September 1992, where they have since resided.

Many in the Athabasca region will remember Heather for her creative ventures. In earlier years, she sewed children’s clothing and crazy quilts. For the past 10 years, her passion was paper crafting and card making as an independent demonstrator with Stampin’ Up. 

Heather spent many hours volunteering with community organizations over the years, including Athabasca United Church, Athabasca and District Chamber of Commerce, Athabasca Ukrainian Folk Dance Club, Athabasca Dance Society, Athabasca Fringe Festival Society, and Athabasca and District Music Festival Society.

Heather is lovingly remembered by her husband Doug, daughters Marilyn and Allison (Will), mother-in-law Patricia (Paul), sisters Linda (Phil) and Karen, brother David (Dorothy), four nieces, 10 grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and numerous cousins.

A memorial service for Heather will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at 2:00 PM at Athabasca United Church. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in-person attendance will be by invitation only. The service will also be available for online viewing at https://www.legacytributevideo.ca/kariel.

Donations in memory of Heather may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Athabasca United Church, or the Athabasca Healthcare Auxiliary Association.

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