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Light a Candle
Mary (Byrnes) Heim passed away peacefully in her home on April 24th. She will be forever remembered by her family and friends who were blessed to have her in their lives.
Mary grew up in Albany, NY graduating from the Vincentian Institute and maintained many close friendships with her former classmates. Shortly after high school, she married her husband and as the wife of a Naval officer, kept the home fires burning, raising six children while living overseas in Morocco and Panama and four different states. She was never idle and well known to soldier through any challenge. When her children were young, she organized sports leagues, coached soccer and basketball teams and learned soccer by playing in the adult soccer league. She moved to the Adirondacks in 1977 and, with her husband, owned and operated the Resort at Garnet Hill Lodge for almost 25 years, achieving accolades from the hospitality and ski industries. Mary trained and managed hundreds of employees, many in their first job.
Mary was the cornerstone of the family and provided a sense of community and belonging for all in her presence. She was a force to be reckoned with, a fearless traveler who spent lots of time hiking and biking. She enjoyed numerous trips with the Elderhostel program, and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. Mary shared her love of travel and adventure with her grandchildren, who accompanied her on dinosaur digs, storytelling and circus camps, Harry Potter adventures and whale watching voyages. She celebrated her 60th birthday by solo hiking the Appalachian Trail, earning her trail name, Lone Star Mary.
Later in life, Mary moved to Cape Cod, where her pantry was always full and her home always welcoming to family, friends and friends of friends. Mary's love was unconditional and unwavering. She generously offered her support and guidance whenever she suspected she was needed. Mary will be remembered by her children and grandchildren whenever they enjoy a perfectly toasted s'more shared around a campfire with those you love.
Mary leaves her husband, George, her sisters Pat Hartigan and Ann McCann and her children and grandchildren, Michael and Anne Marie Heim and their children Charlie and Michael, Tricia Heim, Matthew and Heather Heim and their children Matthew and Benjamin, Andrew and Debra Heim and their children Sabrina and Brady and Allison and John Laurenza and their children Rowan, Henry and Maura. She also leaves her cherished nieces and nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors.
Mary was predeceased by her daughter Cathleen Heim, her sister Catherine 'Kit' Ritchie and her brother Dick Byrnes.
Mary Heim is loved beyond measure and will be greatly missed.
Memorial donations in Mary's honor may be made to the Friends of Eastham Library and the Friends of Cape Cod National Seashore.
