Published in the January 7, 2019 edition.

METHUEN — Heather M. Winsor, 45, of Methuen, formerly of Wakefield, passed away Saturday, December 1, 2018 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 4, 1973 and grew up in Wakefield.

A graduate of Wakefield High School, Heather also attended UMass in Lowell and North Shore Community College from which she received a degree in Criminal Justice Studies. She worked for a detective agency for a while, then worked for many years at Lifeline, eventually becoming a manager there. She subsequently worked at the Liver Transplant Unit of Lahey Clinic in Burlington.

Heather was a person who was always positive and appreciative of all things. She was filled with laughter and smiles. She was also very willing to help those she encountered in her daily life, whether family, friends, or strangers.

She had many passions in her life including a love of nature. She enjoyed mountain climbing, hiking, skiing and running marathons. She also avidly participated in other sports activities including horseback riding, hockey, bicycling, gym workouts and yoga. Heather loved animals, especially dogs, and fostered rescues in addition to her own dogs. She was expert in their handling and training, which was always done strictly but with great love and understanding. She was involved in animal shelter and rescue work and was employed by the Salem (New Hampshire) Animal Rescue League until her illness prevented her from working.

Known for her willingness to help others in need, Heather touched the lives of many through her simple acts of kindness, positive attitude and infectious laughter which were an inspiration to many. She will be sorely missed by her many friends and family.

Heather is survived by her mother and step-father, Nancy (Knowlton) Winsor Correia and Jack Correia of Methuen; her father and step-mother, Robert and Deb Winsor of Wakefield; her brother, Derek Winsor and his wife, Susan of Weare, N.H.; her step-brother, Gabe Correia and his wife, Donna of Billerica; her aunts, Diane Dresser of Reading, Elizabeth Button and her husband, Norm of Vt., and Lois Morel of Fla. She also leaves many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, December 11 at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen. A private burial took place at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield.