ROBERGE, Heather I.

Heather Roberge, 40 years young, of Unionville passed away peacefully at John Dempsey Hospital surrounded by her loving family Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, after fighting a long, courageous battle with cancer. Heather was a beautiful, darling, caring and loving person who never had an unkind word for anyone. She was a gifted artist and poetess. Heather attended West Hartford public schools and graduated from William H. Hall High School in 1986. She attended Hartford College for Women and lived in Norwich for several years before moving back to Unionville. Heather was born in Hartford May 21, 1968, the beloved daughter of Laurie (Slovinski) Roberge-Piteo of Unionville and Roland Roberge of New York City. She leaves a brother, Ryan Roberge of Unionville; her future sister-in-law, Mariam Alhadis, formerly of Mali, West Africa; and her maternal grandmother, Irene Slovinski of Bristol. She also leaves her beloved “rescue dog,” Whiskey, who was her constant companion and the love of her life. Heather was predeceased by her beloved maternal grandfather, Walter (Sonny) Slovinski; and her paternal grandparents, her “Memere and Pepere” Adrienne and Archile Roberge, all of Bristol; and her stepfather, Benjamin Piteo. She leaves her uncles and aunts, Roger and Doris Roberge of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and Dr. Leo and Linda Roberge of Syracuse, N.Y.; and many cousins and extended family. Heather had a sparkling sense of humor. She loved creating art, writing poetry, spending time with her friends, watching videos in her “jammies”, The Wizard of Oz, shopping, especially for great shoes, amber jewelry, listening to her music and taking her dog, Whiskey, to play in the dog park. She loved her beautiful apartment in Norwich and vacations on the Maine coast. But, most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Heather will be remembered as a very special person and for her capacity to forgive. She also had an incredible love of life and was able to find beauty and love even as she faced incredible adversities in her short life. Heather embraced every moment of happiness with sheer exuberance. She was and will always remain an inspiration and teacher to us all. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. She touched many people with her generosity of spirit, her beauty and her irreverent sense of humor. Our wish is that Heather’s spirit will live on as an inspiration to us all. We all agree that our lives are much richer for having even known Heather during her much too short span among us. May she rest in blissful peace. Heather had many very special people in her life. Among them are her very special mentor, Jacqueline Randall (her “Diva”) of Norwich, and her caregivers while she was battling cancer, Karen Abucewicz and Susan Beliveau, both of Bristol. She also had many special friends in the Norwich area, too numerous to mention. They were Heather’s support team for many years and Heather was the delight of their lives. She leaves behind to mourn her loss her godmother, Lana Pentore of Farmington, and her great-aunt, Jean Rybyczek, who called weekly during her illness sending their prayers and blessings. The family sends special thanks and gratitude to Dr. Jeffrey Spiro, Dr. Robert Dowsett and Dr. Upendra Hegde at UConn Health Center for their concern and compassionate care. We are eternally grateful for the wonderful care given to Heather by the Oncology 6th floor staff and the staff of the Neag Cancer Center, who went above and beyond to give her the best possible care and kindness. Calling hours will be Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Avenue, Bristol. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 145 Main St., Unionville, at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Farmington. Memorial donations may be made to the American Head and Neck Society, 11300 West Olympic Blvd, Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90064 or the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111. Online guest book is available at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.