Heidi Kay Nielsen

Heidi Nielsen, beloved (widowed) wife, sister, and aunt passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday afternoon, April 8th after enduring a Long, arduous battle with esophageal cancer. May we just say that she fought it like a 'mad' conquistador!

Heidi was widowed just six months ago when her wife and loving companion, Annie LaPlante passed away following her own courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma.

Heidi was born on the 2nd of April, 1950 in Salt Lake City. She was the third child, second daughter of Adolph M. Nielsen and Bertha (Cherry) Lindsay Nielsen. As a child, Heidi could usually be found playing and enjoying the out of doors. Her love of nature often fit 'hand in glove' with that of her father. Consequently, they spent wonderful times together skiing, hunting, shooting, hiking and exploring.

Heidi and her younger sister Kris were just 22 months apart. They spent much of their childhood enjoying family trips together with their parents in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Schools attended were Uintah for grade school, Clayton for Jr. High and her High school years were spent at East High where she graduated in the Class of 1968. Heidi went on to attend the University of Utah. Her focus there was centered in the field of Anthropology.

Work experience and excellency in her field was probably driven by her innate ability to look at things and figure out exactly how and what they needed in order to work. Heidi was employed for over 30 years as 'the' parts sales 'department head' of Heating and Air Conditioning suppliers. Because of Heidi's knowledge and friendly, outgoing nature she was often sought out for her service and advice. Heidi maintained this out goingness and good humor throughout her life!

Heidi and Annie enjoyed many wonderful years together. There was always fun and laughter to be had in their company. They were loyal University of Utah fans of basketball and football. They were also avid fans of golf. They loved traveling to Palm Springs every year to meet up with and play golf with good friends. They traveled to Europe to witness the Solheim Cup in Scotland and to the Solheim Cup in Des Moines, Iowa and Colorado City, Colorado.

Serving as parents to a number of beloved dogs over the years was one of their specialties in this world. How they loved and cared for their animals, the most recent, Ash was referred to by neighbors as the 'Mayor of Milton'.

Heidi is preceded in death by her wife, Annie LaPlante, Heidi's parents, Adolph and Cherry Nielsen and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her brother, Richard(Kathleen) Porter-Nielsen, sisters Lynne Carlquist, Kris Kimball (Bri). Heidi was a favorite with her loving nieces and nephews Sara, John (Sarah)Carlquist, Emily (Amy) Carlquist-Bundy, Kimballs; Jed (Kelly), Dan (Kathryn), Bryn, Ben, Adam (Jessie), Zack (Danielle) Nielsen and 7great nieces and 8 great nephews.

Heidi is also survived by Annie's sister Julie Ellen (David) Frost and their three loving nieces Rachel (Time) O'Brien, Kathryn (Nate) Costa and Jillian (Russ) Jerome and five great nephews.

Heidi so wanted to get well enough to at the very least, get outside and enjoy a

good round of golf with dear friends. What she has been through all these months did NOT resemble a 'three-par course effort' but rather she might

have earned the equivalent as winner of the Solheim Cup she so admired!

We want to give thanks to the Utah Cancer Specialist, Dr. J. Whisenant, Dr. G. Cannon, Pamela Sunshine PA, the wonderful staff of the infusion and radiology departments. You made this journey so much more pleasant!!

We will miss you Heidi but know that we will see you again!!

Heidi and Annie enjoyed many wonderful years together. There was always fun and laughter to be had in their company. They were loyal University of Utah fans of basketball and football. They were also avid fans of golf. They loved traveling to Palm Springs every year to meet up with and play golf with good friends. They traveled to Europe to witness the Solheim Cup in Scotland and to the Solheim Cup in Des Moines, Iowa and Colorado City, Colorado.

Serving as parents to a number of beloved dogs over the years was one of their specialties in this world. How they loved and cared for their animals, the most recent, Ash was referred to by neighbors as the 'Mayor of Milton'.

Heidi is preceded in death by her wife, Annie LaPlante, Heidi's parents, Adolph and Cherry Nielsen and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her brother, Richard(Kathleen) Porter-Nielsen, sisters Lynne Carlquist, Kris Kimball (Bri). Heidi was a favorite with her loving nieces and nephews Sara, John (Sarah)Carlquist, Emily (Amy) Carlquist-Bundy, Kimballs; Jed (Kelly), Dan (Kathryn), Bryn, Ben, Adam (Jessie), Zack (Danielle) Nielsen and 7great nieces and 8 great nephews.

Heidi is also survived by Annie's sister Julie Ellen (David) Frost and their three loving nieces Rachel (Time) O'Brien, Kathryn (Nate) Costa and Jillian (Russ) Jerome and five great nephews.

Heidi so wanted to get well enough to at the very least, get outside and enjoy a

good round of golf with dear friends. What she has been through all these months did NOT resemble a 'three-par course effort' but rather she might

have earned the equivalent as winner of the Solheim Cup she so admired!

We want to give thanks to the Utah Cancer Specialist, Dr. J. Whisenant, Dr. G. Cannon, Pamela Sunshine PA, the wonderful staff of the infusion and radiology departments. You made this journey so much more pleasant!!

We will miss you Heidi but know that we will see you again!!