Margaret Marie Heater

Published 10:14 am Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Margaret Marie Heater

May 9, 1940 – April 25, 2024

Celebrating an extraordinary life

Margaret Marie Heater was born in Stayton, Oregon, to Douglas Heater and Gloria Heater (Weddle). She was the second of three children, preceded in death by her older brother, Richard Heater. Her sister, Mary Rhodaback, and cousins Dean Smith, Paul Smith, Susan Kuczmarski, and Pam Lile survive her, as do many nieces and nephews, along with her good friend Barbara Slater.

Margaret (Margi) Heater began her intellectual journey at Sublimity Catholic and Stayton High School. She then pursued higher education at Oregon State University, earning a BS in Humanities and a minor in Public Relations, laying the foundation for her academic brilliance. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue graduate work at California State University, specializing in leadership and management. She further sharpened her skills through participation in executive programs at prestigious institutions such as Cornell, Duke, Northwestern, and Virginia universities.

Margi’s professional journey was distinguished by her exceptional leadership and expertise in human resources, public relations, marketing, and executive development. As Vice President at Allstate Insurance and Private Mortgage Insurance firms, she led successful diversity, inclusion, and strategic development initiatives that markedly improved employees’ well-being. Her dedication to advancing industry standards was evident in her active roles in the Human Resources Planning Society of America and the American Compensation Association. Further highlighting her dedication to the field, Margi served on the Mortgage Bankers Association and as a Faculty Fellow on the Golden Gate University Advisory Board, where she used her leadership skills to guide these organizations toward their goals.

Margi’s involvement in charity and volunteer work was more than a passion—it was her life’s mission. Her selflessness and unwavering commitment left an indelible mark on the communities she served, exemplifying the profound influence one individual can have. Her life of service was truly admirable.

Margi demonstrated her devotion to humanitarian missions as chairman of the boards for the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and the Camp Fire Youth Development programs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago, respectively. 

She served an inspiring twenty-two years on the Board of Trustees at the High Desert Museum in Bend, where her belief in the importance of the High Desert’s natural world and cultural history fostered artful exhibits, engaging programs, and meaningful living historical displays. 

Margi’s heart for service extended across populations. She played a critical role in an advisory position at Central Oregon Veterans Ranch, where she dedicated her time and expertise to help establish the organization that provides a holistic model of healing for combat veterans. 

Margi also had a profound compassion for horses, which led her to volunteer at Equine Outreach and the Wild Mustang Horse Program, demonstrating her deep affection for these majestic creatures.

As a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, she helped advance educational and professional opportunities for countless women across Oregon.

She also volunteered at the St. Charles Hospital Cancer Resource Center, the Santiam Hospital and Clinics Foundation, and the Revitalize Downtown Stayton Project, further establishing her legacy of compassion and helping others.

Margi was a constant source of love and joy for her friends and family. Her undivided attention, wisdom, and advice were always available, making her a guiding light. Her honesty, diligence, and fun-loving nature were traits she shared with and inspired in everyone she met. Her presence brought joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging that is truly irreplaceable and will live long in our memories.

Celebration of Life Memorial

Historic Heater Farm 10067 Siegmund Rd. SE, Stayton, Oregon

Saturday, June 1, 2024, 2:00 P.M.