Heidi Victoria Wester

The life journey of our beloved daughter, Heidi Victoria Wester, age 47, ended on her birthday, August 19, 2009. She was born on August 19, 1962. Our tears well up with pride at all of her accomplishments. Heidi graduated from Notre Dame High School, Barbizon School of Modeling and SUNY Delhi. She devoted her life to the care of animals, starting her career as a volunteer at the Utica Zoo while still in high school. As an employee there, she tended to the needs of animals, trained Sea Lions, and presented Sea Lion shows daily. In 1990 she accepted a position at the Dallas Texas Zoo as an Elephant keeper and trainer. Presently she was a keeper of the Great Apes, Chimps, and Mandrills. The Dallas Zoo staff and friends became her extended family. She shared her knowledge when training new staff. Heidi was a kind person and a true friend to many. Her sense of humor brought laughter to everyone’s life. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed by her family, zoo family, friends, and by her animals that she loved and cared for. She had a beautiful rapport with the animals, her peers, and beyond. When transporting an animal, to ensure they felt safe and comfortable, she would often ride in the cargo plane with them. Heidi dedicated her life to caring for animals regardless of their size; from the tiny meerkat, to the massive gorillas and elephants. She was compassionate about helping the lost, sick, or injured animals that found their way into her life. She sought medical care for some, would keep many of them, and found homes for the rest. Heidi is survived by her parents, M. Richard and Marilyn D. Wester; her brother, Donald Brett Wester and his wife Tonya; nieces and nephews, Kirstie Ann Wester, Timothy Brett Wester, Erica, and Meghan; her uncle, William W. Wester; aunts, Sally Wester, and Martha Diliberto; cousins; her godmother, Elinor Curri; and godchildren. She also leaves a host of other relatives and friends. Heidi was predeceased by her grandparents, Philip A. and Theresa R. Puleo and Donald C. and Gertrude M. Wester. In Heidi’s honor a Memorial Tribute was held Friday evening, August 21, 2009 at the Dallas Zoo outside the exhibit that she loved so dearly. Many people attended and shared stories of good deeds and fond memories that will never be forgotten. It was said that Heidi is now taking care of all “God’s animals”. All creatures great and small, Heidi loved them all. She will be missed by many and she was loved by all. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Service for Heidi on Saturday morning at 11:00 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church with Rev. Anthony LaFache officiating. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Heidi Victoria Wester

August 19, 1962 - August 19, 2009