Heather Compardo April 20, 1950 - July 16, 2023

In loving memory of Heather Jean Compardo (Ernewein) who passed away suddenly in the Dryden Regional Health Centre on Sunday, July 16th.

Heather was born in Dryden to Dr. Clair and Esther Ernewein and spent most of her life residing there. As a child her family home was at Wabigoon Lake on Sandy Beach Road and many of her relatives had their homes on the same bay. Heather enjoyed the many get-togethers with family and neighbours – bonfires, tobogganing, skating, and swimming. Many weekends were spent on the family’s houseboat or at the cabin on the island, and later at the “point” or “camp”, now known as “Bill’s”. Family and holiday celebrations continued to be very important to Heather throughout her life and she was often the one organizing them.

Heather attended St. Joseph’s School, Albert Street and Pinewood Schools, Dryden High School, St. Benedict’s Academy in Winnipeg, the University of Manitoba, and Red River College. She went on to have a long career in banking and financial planning with the Royal Bank, Bank of Commerce, Investor’s Group and Sun Life Financial. A clever and compassionate person, she guided many people through their financial journey, always with the best interests of her clients and customer service as her focus. It was never about her.

Heather was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and a member of the Women of St. Joseph Parish. A strong advocate for seniors in our community, she delivered Meals on Wheels, sat on the Family Council at Princess Court and, more recently, DECO. She was a member of the Dryden Horticultural Society and an avid gardener, as well as a talented knitter and quilter. Many days were spent with her fellow knitters and quilters working on projects and enjoying their fellowship. Several friends and family members were generously and lovingly gifted her handiwork – quilts, bags, placemats, hats, scarves, and shawls, all of which will serve as a reminder of how much she cared about us.

Several years ago, Heather saw a need, had a vision, and was instrumental in the development of the Second Chance Pet Network. An animal lover since childhood, Heather was never without one or more dogs in her life. They were her comfort and joy, something she willingly shared with others. People will remember the many visits she made in past years to Princess Court and DRHC with her beautiful therapy dog, Maya. Missing Heather now will be Sadie, Hannah, and Bella, as well as her cat, Smudge.

Heather was predeceased by her parents, Clair and Esther, and her in-laws, Armand and Alice. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Don; stepsons, David Compardo (Heidi) and Chris Compardo; grandchildren, Riah, Lara, Abby, and Parker; brother Bill Ernewein (Nicole); brother-in-law David Compardo Sr. (Joanne); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Heather was our rock, the one who kept everything together, the one who did all the little things with such enormous love. We will miss her presence in our lives forever.

Open your eyes, you will see my beauty. Listen closely, you can hear me whisper. Take a deep breath, you can smell my flowers. Touch the earth, you can hold my hand. Close your eyes, there I am. For I am with you everywhere.