Heather Ruth Unger (nee McLean)

Obituary

Passed on August 27, 2021

February 5, 1948 – August 27, 2021    It is with deep sorrow that the family of Heather Unger announces her unexpected passing at home, on the morning of Friday, August 27, 2021.

Mourning Heather’s loss are her loving husband of 53 years, Ronald; her 19 children and grandchildren including, Randy (Gina), Jake, Juliana, Izabella and Dana (Dean), Logan, Avery and Darcy (Jennifer), Colton, Camryn, Austin, Kaelyn and Kelly (Kris), Ryan and Myles; mother, Jessie McLean, and brothers Danny and Lockie (Diana); in-laws Roy (Gail), Elvin (Wendy) and Margaret; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and good friends.

Heather was predeceased by her father Alexander, brother Ian and her parents-in-law, Avery and Frances.

Heather was the eldest of four children, born in Winnipeg in 1948. Her family moved to Stonewall when she was young and that is where she finished her schooling. At age 20, Heather married Ron Unger, commencing their life on the farm together and raising a family. Heather and Ron shared the typical breakdown of duties, with him tending the fields and her as the ‘domestic engineer’ maintaining the household and keeping everyone cleaned, clothed and fed, especially during the busy seeding and harvest seasons. She ran a tight catering operation out to the fields, delivering bountiful meals like clockwork, along with a quick hello. There was never a shortage of fresh baking as part of every mealtime, but it was definitely more abundant during these busy times of year and then taken up a notch again for any and all holidays!

After 48 years on the farm Mum and Dad moved from the family home into Stonewall, to begin a more ‘downsized’ lifestyle. At first Mum protested that she would not be able to transition to a smaller yard with neighbours so close, but with time, the transition grew on her. Their new house became the central hub for ‘family’; their new house was nurtured into a home. Mum was just in the process of grand renovations to update the interior of their home, but regrettably, will not be able to see them through.

Besides her love of baking (a hobby for some, but way of life for her) Heather loved gardening and maintaining a pristine yard full of vibrant plants and flowers. In this vein, Heather found joy in cutting the grass on the farm along with the grass in the nearby yards of her girls. She spent countless hours, cutting acre after acre, wearing out several lawn tractors over the years. She never entered a lawn tractor race, but Mum would have done the family proud if she had. Go Grandma! Over the years, travel became more a part of Mum and Dad’s lives and they settled into pulling their fifth wheel trailer down to Yuma for three months after Christmas. She loved the weather, relished the activities and retirement lifestyle and made new friends to spend time with. The time and effort she put in down south, shopping to bring back for her kids and grandkids, and keeping all her purchases organized, has to be unrivalled.

For Grandma, though, family was her everything with her grandchildren her ultimate joy. She added to her resume, practically running a full-time day care for several years and helping to raise, teach and grow them into who they are today. Grandma became a chauffeur, a concert goer, a sports fan and a professional cheerleader, keeping up with and supporting all their activities. Her door was always open with different grandchildren coming and going; always a kiss and hug goodbye. She learned to use a cell phone and ‘text’ to keep in touch and once Grandma found out she could take pictures of her grandkids on it and then share those pictures with others, look out! She was always encouraging, especially for the grandkids to ‘get grandpa’. They always put a smile on her face. She loved being part of her grandchildren’s lives and was immensely proud of each and everyone one of them.

Heather was our wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. She was strong and full of life to the end, but for some reason, left us too soon. There should have been more time; at least time for one more kiss and hug goodbye. We cannot express how much we will miss her.

The family appreciates all the kind words, gifts and well wishes since Heather’s untimely death and would like to advise that a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Thank you.

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