Heather Mae Markham (nee Lunn)

With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Heather Mae Markham on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at her home in Huntsville, Ontario

Heather leaves behind an extraordinary legacy—a life full of purpose, adventure, and love—and a family who cherished her beyond words. Born in Bowmanville, Ontario, and raised in Northern Ontario (Atikokan and North Bay), Heather’s vibrant spirit shone through from a young age. She was a natural athlete, a gifted gymnast, and a fierce dog sled racer. A passionate runner, she qualified for and proudly completed the Ottawa, Las Vegas, and New York Marathons, and was a proud alumna of the prestigious Boston Marathon, which she conquered multiple times. Her radiant smile at the finish line was a beacon of her strength and joy as she chased her dreams—not just for herself, but often for a cause greater than her own, frequently running in support of cancer research.

Heather’s compassion extended far beyond the racecourse. After completing her nursing studies in Thunder Bay, she dedicated her career to caring for the most vulnerable as a Registered Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the North Bay Regional Health Centre. There, she found her true calling. Her warmth, unwavering work ethic, and deeply empathetic nature made her not just a trusted colleague, but a beloved friend and a nurturing force in the lives of many. She was a caregiver in every sense of the word—professional, personal, and maternal.

In retirement, Heather embraced every moment with the same vitality she carried throughout her life. Whether biking, hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, paddle boarding, or relaxing at her trailer by the lake with her beloved whippet, Gracie, she found joy in the simple pleasures. You always knew she was at her happy place when you could hear the music of Shania Twain or Bryan Adams drifting through the air.

Above all, Heather was an extraordinary mother and grandmother. She raised three loving children—Johnathan (Kristen), Alisha (Jason), and Cassandra (Joran)—each of whom carries forward her strength, love, and spirit. Her heart grew even bigger with the arrival of her eight beloved grandchildren: Alexa, Chelsea, Ethan, Evah, Grace, Madeline, Ozzy, and Remington. Her presence in their lives was a constant source of love and laughter, and she will be missed beyond measure. Heather Mae Markham lived with courage, joy, and endless compassion. Her legacy will forever echo in the lives she touched and the family who loves her deeply.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Billingsley Funeral Home, 430 Ravenscliffe Road, Huntsville from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.  The memorial service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 1:00 p.m. Live streaming will be available for those unable to attend the memorial service.  Please proceed to the service section to access the link. Reception to follow.  As an expression of sympathy memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated by the family.