Heather L. Lumbra
On March 10, 2021, Heather Lynn Lumbra, 46, beloved daughter of Robert Lumbra Jr. and Linda
Lumbra, passed away, ending a courageous battle with many challenges to her health that spanned the
last years of her life. Most recently diagnosed with cancer, Heather spent her remaining months from the
home she shared with her significant other, Jeff Janousek, in Walpole, MA, receiving services from Care
Dimensions and nurturing ongoing relationships with family and friends and reconnecting with many
others. She treasured this time and the outpouring of love shown toward her, yet she also wanted to
reciprocate when she could, often sharing treats, stories, and smiles. Even while dealing with
excruciating pain, she would still smile. After the pain became too unbearable to manage from home,
Heather spent her final week at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA, where she was relieved
from pain, shown love, and able to pass peacefully and with dignity.
Heather spent most of her childhood in South Burlington, VT. From birth, Heather was a strong-willed,
spirited individual. From climbing spindly trees as a child, to sneaking out of high school classes, to
waitressing while earning a bachelor’s degree in education and psychology from Trinity College, she
strongly believed that “where there is a will, there is a way.” Soon after graduation, Heather’s
adventurous spirit led her to MA where she taught early education in several different settings, most
notably as a public kindergarten teacher in Norwood. Heather loved her students and taught for nearly
two decades until failing health led to an early retirement in 2016.
Unafraid to speak her mind, it was no secret how Heather felt, and she felt strongly and loved deeply.
Beneath the surface of what could seem at times a rough exterior was a woman with a good heart who
faced struggles, desired love and reassurance, and wanted to share her love. And Heather had many
things that she loved, including working with children; socializing over dinner and drinks; nature,
especially the ocean and birds; creating and enjoying art; listening to a variety of music; her pet cats over
the years, including her and Jeff’s current cat Abby; and most importantly feeling connected to others.
She also enjoyed inspirational quotes and had recently shared this one, which seems like an important
message for those she leaves behind:
“None of us are getting out of here alive, so please stop treating yourself like an afterthought. Eat the
delicious food. Walk in the sunshine. Jump in the ocean. Say the truth you’re carrying in your heart like hidden treasure. Be silly. Be kind. Be weird. There’s no time for anything else.”
~ Nanea Hoffman
Heather is survived by Jeff Janousek, her constant rock for nearly 20 years; her parents, Robert Lumbra
Jr. of South Burlington, VT, and Linda Lumbra of Essex Junction, VT; her sister, Lila Wall, and nephews,
Sebastien and Lucas Wall, of Amherst, NH; and many other relatives and close friends.
In honor of Heather’s final wishes, no formal services will be arranged. However, in her final weeks she
worked closely with her music therapist to put together a musical remembrance. Her vision was truly for
the music to be an extension of herself, and it provides an opportunity for loved ones to reflect on her
while listening.
Listen to Heather’s Musical Remembrance.
Heather left her mark on so many, and she will remain in our hearts forever.
In lieu of flowers, Heather’s family asks that you consider making a memorial contribution to Care
Dimensions so that other families can receive the same kind of support and compassionate care at the
end of life. Donations can be mailed to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, B-102, Danvers, MA
01923, or made online at www.CareDimensions.org.
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May you rest in peace Heather, and start your new journey beyond the clouds. We will all miss you, and that smile.
What a lovely tribute to Heather. Much love!
my thoughts go to bob and linda ,nothing any parents wants to think about with there children , may you let time try to heal some hurt ,my deepest condolences to all the family
Rest in peace Heather fly free now with no pain. Your spirit lives on dear.
Heather you will forever be in our hearts. I will cherish all our talks over the years, the cards you always sent, even for Mother’s Day and miss you terribly but we know that you are soaring with the angels now and dancing in heaven.
Aunt Pat, Was so nice to get close to you again. You left too soon but we will meet again my little Angel with love
God bless you Heather in heaven as I remember the wonderful times we had at family get together at Mattapoisett and at special occasions like birthdays over the years! You were always fun and enjoyed your well lived life. You will be missed by all who loved you!
Heather,
I may not have known you but I did hear you on the phone with your mom one day while hiking in the woods with her. I know from your comment to your mom that you were observant, caring, and kind. You sounded like a delightful young woman. I pray that peace is with you and the pain left behind. God Bless you, your Mom, your dad, and your sister and her darling children. May you all find peace and healing through our Lord and your memories.
Heather may you Rest In Peace now! No more pain and suffering my friend.
Heather was my first friend in South Burlington. I had moved there the summer before our freshman year of high school and didn’t know anyone. We lived in the same development and she was so sweet, introducing me to other kids in the neighborhood before we started high school. Her life ended too soon. May she finally be pain-free and be at peace. Prayers for her surviving family and friends ❤️
My heart goes out to Heather and her family. Although we have not seen each since high school, I remember many times sitting with her in class and giggling about one thing or another. She was a sweet heart and fun to be around.
My condolences and prayers to Heather’s family and friends for their loss. Heather’s love of life comes through in this beautifully written obit. She was loved and will be missed.
I am heartbroken to hear of Heather’s struggles and departure. We worked together when she first came to Massachusetts, and shared many laughs as we struggled to make our way in our first jobs out of college. We also shared many hopes for our futures working with children, and she was always up to taste test some of my creative budget meal creations! In working together, Heather helped me grow as a teacher and as a person.and I am forever grateful to have known her.. I always admired Heather’s strong sense of self and independence, and I think of her often, though clearly did not keep up enough with her these last few years. Please accept my sincerest condolences. May your memories of Heather bring you comfort and peace.
Kindly,
Melissa Sloan