Marge Eaton Heegaard

95, died peacefully in her home on Sunday, December 15, surrounded by family. She was a determined, courageous woman who appreciated the people in her life and was quick to express her gratitude for them and for the long and fortunate life that she had. When it was time to let that life go, she was ready, approaching death with openness, eager to experience what might come next. Marge was creative and inspired others to be. She understood that everybody faced challenges and was therefore slow to judge and easily forgave. She never had anything bad to say about anybody, instead focusing on everyone's positive qualities. She was open-hearted and welcoming toward those (including her children and grandchildren) whose life paths differed from her own. She loved doing crafts, teaching art, being in nature, cooking and sharing delicious food, exploring the world, cuddling with well-behaved dogs and cats, and a good game of Rummikub (she was unbeatable!). Born July 2, 1929 in Minot, North Dakota to Helen & Albert Slorby, Marge graduated from Minot High School and received a BS in Applied Art from the College of Economics at Iowa State University, Ames (where she was Homecoming Queen in 1949!). She married her high school sweetheart, Jim Eaton, and moved to St Paul, Minnesota, where she worked for Northern States Power for three years as a Home Economist before the birth of their three sons, Jim Jr, Jon, and Michael. Jim died in 1968 after a fight against terminal cancer. In 1974, she married Roger Heegaard, who had three kids of his own (Karen, Julie and Bill), and together they raised their six teenagers. After joining Manamoré, a women's art group, Marge created "Designs from Nature," a line of pressed flower address books and checkbook covers as well as other pieces of art which were sold in stores across the country for many years. Because of her own experience with grief, Marge later felt "called" to help others cope with loss and change. This led her to develop grief support groups for adults. Her work led to many community coalitions for grief support for local churches. After receiving an MA in Human Development in 1985 from Saint Mary's College, and then becoming an Independent Clinical Social Worker, Registered Art Therapist, and Certified Grief Counselor, she became a leader in grief support, active in local and national professional organizations for death education, counseling, and art therapy. She authored more than twelve books on loss and change for children and adults published by her company, Woodland Press (now run by her sons), several of which were translated into many other languages. Her first book, WHEN SOMEONE VERY SPECIAL DIES, published in 1988, continues to be a big seller globally. Marge and Roger also enjoyed many vacations and trips around the world. They spent 27 winters in Naples at their golf and tennis condo. Marge was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Helen Slorby; both of her husbands, James B Eaton II and Roger Finley Heegaard; her brother Leroy Slorby and her sister Eldora Mikkelsen. She is survived by her sons - Jim, Jon (Jenne Baldwin-Eaton) and Mike-Chase Eaton (Eduardo Camacho); Roger's daughters - Karen (Chuck LeGros), Julie, and Bill (Kristyn) Heegaard; 6 grandchildren - Jon Eaton Jr (Sasha Suarez), Lynndsy Eaton (Monica McDaniel), Alex Heegaard-LeGros (Julia Winkles), Zoé Heegaard-LeGros Jagai (Kat Jagai), Leighton Heegaard and Sophia Heegaard; Great-granddaughter Phoenix McDaniel; and many beloved nieces and nephews. A celebration of Marge's life will be held at the Lakewood Cemetery Chapel on April 11, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum or donor's choice.

Tributes

Marge Eaton Heegaard

July 2, 1929 - December 15, 2024

Tributes

Marge Eaton Heegaard

July 2, 1929 - December 15, 2024

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