Obituary of Heidi Doris de Boer

Heidi Doris (Kerz) de Boer passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at the age of 68, due to complications from Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (a very rare form of blood cancer) and resulting Bing-Neel syndrome.

Heidi was born in Kingston, Ontario on January 4, 1957 to Helmut and Anneliese (Nohe) Kerz, both immigrants from Germany who met in Canada through mutual friends. As a young child she spoke only German at home, learning English only when she began attending public school. She was able to visit Germany during her last year of high school, meeting relatives and refreshing her German language skills. She was also a strong swimmer, working as a swim instructor and lifeguard, along with learning to sail and saving her money to buy a Laser sailboat that she used to explore several Ontario lakes.

Heidi earned a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Biology at Queen’s University. An avid recreational diver for much of her life, she dreamed of being a female Jaques Cousteau. She met her husband Rey when he worked as a chemistry laboratory student supervisor during one of her university classes and they married on July 12, 1980, after they had both graduated. The couple moved to Nova Scotia shortly after their marriage and Heidi soon began work as a technician at the Department of Biology at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, where she continued to work until her illness resulted in long-term disability and eventual retirement.

An avid enthusiast of both science and arts, Heidi often took her children to local museums, fossil hunting expeditions, geocaching adventures and planetarium events. A quality microscope set up to examine the local pond water was a frequent staple for her children at home.

Elaborate and creative children’s birthday parties were a particular passion of hers and once her children were grown, she was proud of her reputation in the neighbourhood for her intricate Halloween goodie bags and themes. Heidi was also an avid gardener and the four acres of woodland that formed her garden now includes over 70 rhododendrons, among many other carefully chosen plant species.

Heidi is survived by her husband, Rey; children, Laura and Evan; brother, Norman (Elizabeth); in-laws, Margriet, Nicolaas, Gerrit (Wilma) and Jennifer; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins on both sides of the family.

The family would like to once again thank the staff of the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, particularly the staff of 8A (Hematology), for their compassionate and thoughtful care over the last six months.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). At Heidi’s request, no funeral will be held and burial will be limited to a private family service at the Meander Cemetery in Brooklyn. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Heidi may be made to the Nova Scotia SPCA, PO Box 38073 Stn. Burnside, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1X2. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca.