Heather Pittas was the youngest of four daughters of Angus and Minetta MacQueen. Wherever her father's work as a United Church minister took the family, summers were spent at their cottage in Cape Breton. That milieu was the wellspring for Heather's love of people, sense of humour and deep attachment to all things Nova Scotian.
When her father became minister at St. George's United Church in Toronto, Heather attended Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute. Gregarious, intelligent and compassionate, she never wanted for friends.
After university and many travels, her first marriage ended in 1979. Settled in Halifax, she worked as a stockbroker, but the trading world was an unnatural one for her - she felt too deeply for others. She then moved to human resources, working in training and development.
In 1989, Heather met up with Nick Pittas, a lawyer working as director of the Nova Scotia Securities Commission, who would become the love of her life. They fell in love over a lunch together, and as she later put it, "I struck gold with Nick."
The day after they bought their home in Halifax in 1991, Heather went to work excited to share the news, only to learn she was, in her words, getting "the boot." Galvanized by this experience she rallied, taking her MA in adult education at Dalhousie University, with a thesis drawn from her insights on the human aspects of job loss. Hired by the Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia to oversee their new human resources department, she flourished professionally for 13 years.
Heather and Nick were married in 1991 and found true happiness together in a growing family, adopting their adored daughters, Anna and Rosie, from China. Heather found such joy in being their mum - their achievements and interests meant everything to her. She retired from the WCB in 2006 to fully enjoy the time she and Nick planned to spend with them.
Those dreams evaporated when Heather was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007. Once squeamish about needles, she underwent any clinical intervention that might prolong her time with family and friends. Never behaving like a sick person, she was always there for those she loved. The way she lived with cancer epitomized what a vivacious, yet pragmatic, woman she was.
Heather faced her prognosis with honesty and grace. Her minister, Linda Yates, and she shared many discussions and prayers together. They gave each other homework and never shirked hard questions about their faith.
Her final days were spent in hospital in Halifax, attended by her beloved Nick and devoted sisters.
At her funeral, the packed church made clear to all what Heather was about: love of family, love of friends and love of her cherished Nova Scotia.
Fiona Reid is Heather's friend.