Heather Michelle Rewiski (nee Richardson), age 57, of Wheaton IL, died on June 24, 2026 in Winfield, IL after a 7 year war with cancer of primary unknown.

Born and raised in the Onsted, MI area Heather graduated from Onsted High School where she was on the cheerleading squad and actively participated in 4-H. As a lifelong equestrian she competed locally and at the national level on her award-winning horse, Otoe’s Motive, earning recognition as the Quarter Horse Queen for the State of Michigan. An accomplished concert goer and fashion trend setter at an early age, Heather was an avid Prince and Madonna fan before it was cool.

Heather graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in communications and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University. This foundation paved the path for an accomplished career as a senior executive in consumer packaged goods. Over the years she built best in industry teams for global brands like Nestle Purina, Sara Lee, Bel Brands Cheese, and Danone. Known as a results driven and empathetic leader, she took her greatest pride in developing individuals to achieve their highest potential. “You should always be open to opportunities that lead to career advancement” is an encouragement she often shared.

In Heather’s world, more important than any accomplishment at work was the time she spent with family. Especially her husband Mark and their children Carson and Cameron. She was the ‘Mom who did it all’ – moving from meetings in the board room to bake sales for the cross country team and chaperoning long distance dance team trips with a grace that made every moment matter. And if anyone asked how she was able to accomplish all that she’d share a brief testimonial for the power of Excel spreadsheets. (Whilst simultaneously cracking a tab on a small can of Coca-Cola.) She loved to travel and family trips to Disney, California, Arizona, Florida, New York City and all points in between serve as a source of good memory.

A passionate photographer and creator of amazing photo book collections, it was rare to see her at a family event without her Canon Camera at the ready to capture the next memorable moment.

Her family and friends will miss her great sense of humor and gift of being present. When you talked with her, you felt that you were the most important person in the world and you knew her interest in you was genuine.

An active member of the Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, IL Heather was fortified by the friendships and fellowship the church provided she and her family.

In 2019 when diagnosed with stage IV cancer, primary unknown and a prognosis of 6 months longevity, she attacked the disease with the same zeal and determination she employed to beat the competition for the brands she represented. Assembling a team of doctors and specialists from some of the best medical institutions in the world she actively participated as the conductor of the symphony of her treatment plans. For many years she remained one step ahead of the disease attacking her body. Her chronicle of her journey on the website ‘Caring Bridge’ –with her ever present theme of “Faith, Family, and Friends” -has inspired thousands and served as a motivator for other cancer patients facing similarly long odds.

Heather closed her last ‘Caring Bridge’ entry with a declaration of victory over cancer that’s indisputable. “I believe I am meant to be here…I have a lot to do. When I read the scans, I breathe and take it in…this too shall pass. Faith removes Fear. God is with me! Until next time – Faith, Family, and Friends!” Her family rejoices knowing now not only is ‘God with her’, she is with God.

She is survived by her husband Mark Rewiski and children Carson Rewiski of Los Angeles, CA and Cameron Rewiski, of Wheaton, IL. Her mother, Patricia Richardson (Forest Haines) of Onsted, MI, brother Jamie Richardson (Kate) of Mount Vernon OH, and sister Hillary Vanderzee (Rommert) of Evergreen, CO and many nieces and nephews who owe any skill they acquired in the board game ‘Monopoly’ to their Aunt Heather.

She was preceded in death by her father, Murray Richardson.

The family would like to especially thank the many doctors and care givers who became more than medical support – they became family. Especially the team at the Block Center in Skokie, IL and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Memorial contributions in Heather’s name can be made to the Mayo Clinic. Please check back at a later date for a link to donate. 

A visitation will be held at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187, on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m., with a “Celebration of Life” to follow.