Heather Lea Thordsen
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Obituary
Heather Lea (Hector) Thordsen was born on April 27, 1954, in Cook County, Illinois. At a very early age, she was adopted by Roy William Hector and M. Marceil Hector. She grew up primarily in Woodridge Illinois with her adoptive sister Holly.
Heather graduated from Downers Grove South High School in 1972. After graduation, she moved to California and became a scriptwriter for such shows as “Happy Days” and “Chico and the Man” among others.
Upon returning to Illinois in the late 1970’s, Heather found her true calling in life. She made child welfare her passion and was a Board member of the Child Welfare League of America and the Illinois Child Care Association. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from North Central College, and went on to get her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Governor’s State University.
Heather was the Residential Services Director for Nachusa Lutheran’s Children’s Home in Dixon Illinois from 1983-1988. In the fall of 1988, she became the Executive Director of the Illinois Council on Training and held this position until November of 2004.
On May 19, 1990, she married her soulmate for all eternity, Michael William Thordsen. Heather was the immensely proud mother of two, Mark (born 1992) and Nicole (Nikki) born 1995. She was a highly active mother, attending numerous athletic events that both children were involved in. She was also regularly active in the Methodist church throughout her life.
Upon moving to Northwest Arkansas for Michael’s employment in 2005, Heather spent 2 years as the Executive Director of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, 2 years as a RESPECT Trainer for the University of Arkansas, and the final 10 years of her working career as a Foster Parent Trainer for MidSouth Training Academy, UALR, until her retirement on January 4, 2021.
On February 20, 2021, Heather was diagnosed with brain cancer. After a courageous fight against this disease, she went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 28, 2021.
Heather was always helping people any way she could. She loved to make people laugh and had a very quick wit. She was an avid dog lover, as she and Michael adopted six rescue dogs from animal shelters over the years. Each of these dogs was with the family for at least 10 years
Heather was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Marceil. She is survived by her husband Michael, son Mark (girlfriend Marcie), daughter Nikki, and her sister Holly (Hector) Payton (Rev James Keith), and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Heather will truly be missed by friends, family, and colleagues.
According to her wishes, Heather will be cremated. A celebration of life memorial will be held Saturday, September 11, 2021 - 1:00 p.m. at their home 107 S West Ave. Lincoln, Arkansas 72744. A private memorial for family members will be held at a later date at a site yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to any of the following:
Prairie Grove First United Methodist Church, 1401 E Parks St., Prairie Grove, AR 72753
Humane Society for Animals, 407 E Nursery Rd., Rogers, AR 72758
Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Rd., Springdale, AR 72762
Heather graduated from Downers Grove South High School in 1972. After graduation, she moved to California and became a scriptwriter for such shows as “Happy Days” and “Chico and the Man” among others.
Upon returning to Illinois in the late 1970’s, Heather found her true calling in life. She made child welfare her passion and was a Board member of the Child Welfare League of America and the Illinois Child Care Association. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from North Central College, and went on to get her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Governor’s State University.
Heather was the Residential Services Director for Nachusa Lutheran’s Children’s Home in Dixon Illinois from 1983-1988. In the fall of 1988, she became the Executive Director of the Illinois Council on Training and held this position until November of 2004.
On May 19, 1990, she married her soulmate for all eternity, Michael William Thordsen. Heather was the immensely proud mother of two, Mark (born 1992) and Nicole (Nikki) born 1995. She was a highly active mother, attending numerous athletic events that both children were involved in. She was also regularly active in the Methodist church throughout her life.
Upon moving to Northwest Arkansas for Michael’s employment in 2005, Heather spent 2 years as the Executive Director of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, 2 years as a RESPECT Trainer for the University of Arkansas, and the final 10 years of her working career as a Foster Parent Trainer for MidSouth Training Academy, UALR, until her retirement on January 4, 2021.
On February 20, 2021, Heather was diagnosed with brain cancer. After a courageous fight against this disease, she went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 28, 2021.
Heather was always helping people any way she could. She loved to make people laugh and had a very quick wit. She was an avid dog lover, as she and Michael adopted six rescue dogs from animal shelters over the years. Each of these dogs was with the family for at least 10 years
Heather was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Marceil. She is survived by her husband Michael, son Mark (girlfriend Marcie), daughter Nikki, and her sister Holly (Hector) Payton (Rev James Keith), and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Heather will truly be missed by friends, family, and colleagues.
According to her wishes, Heather will be cremated. A celebration of life memorial will be held Saturday, September 11, 2021 - 1:00 p.m. at their home 107 S West Ave. Lincoln, Arkansas 72744. A private memorial for family members will be held at a later date at a site yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to any of the following:
Prairie Grove First United Methodist Church, 1401 E Parks St., Prairie Grove, AR 72753
Humane Society for Animals, 407 E Nursery Rd., Rogers, AR 72758
Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Rd., Springdale, AR 72762
Funeral Service
1:00 pm
Heather's Home - 107 S West Ave., Lincoln, Arkansas 72744.
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
General
Apr 27, 1954
Aug 28, 2021
67
Tributes
Heather was the most amazing woman I have ever met. The first time I met her, I knew that we had known each other over lifetimes. There are really no words to say how much this girl loved. Heather was my mentor and a true, genuine friend. My heart is absolutely broken with her loss. Michael, Mark, and Nikki, Kevin and I send you all of our love. We will both hold her in our hearts forever.
Annette Hoffman - Friend
Michael,
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your wife, Heather. I hope you may find comfort in the wonderful memories you will always have of your life together. My very best to you and your family. Beth
Beth Cox - Friend
Li’l Sis – that says it all, and yet nothing. Growing up you were my first playmate and my first friend. As children we played and argued, as all siblings do. But as we grew up and went our separate ways, time together became more precious. You were so much more than my little sister – you became my best friend! I SO miss your weekly calls – sometimes we would talk for 90 minutes or more! So glad to have had one last chance to be with you and visit. I love you and miss you, Li’l Sis!
Holly D Payton - Sister
Heather and I met when we were kids. I knew then she was somebody special. Although we drifted apart a long time ago, I can see from her obituary that she had become special to many others as a giving and caring person. I was shocked and saddened to learn of her passing. My sympathies to Holly, whom I remember fondly, and to Heather's family, who I'm afraid I have never met.
Heather will always have a place in my heart and memories. She will be missed, and in my prayers.
Bill Hollowell - Friend
Funeral Service
1:00 pm
Heather's Home - 107 S West Ave., Lincoln, Arkansas 72744.
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
General
Apr 27, 1954
Aug 28, 2021
67