"Emily radiated love and joy. It has been a gift to know and to witness her zest for life. May her beautiful spirit rest in peace. "
Emily Jean Heintz of Federal Way, WA passed away on October 22, 2024 at Harborview Hospital in Seattle, WA from complications of a stroke. She was 72.
Emily was born on April 16, 1952 in Spokane, WA. She was the daughter of Elden Francis Heintz and Grace Veljean Heintz, nee Prothero.
Emily attended Marycliff High School in Spokane graduating in 1970. She continued her education at Washington State University in Pullman, WA and received a Bachelor of Science degree from WSU in Bacteriology and Public Health in 1974. She was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honors society.
Emily pursued a career as a laboratory technologist at several western Washington hospitals including Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Tacoma General Hospital, and for nearly 30 years at Valley Medical Center in Renton. She retired in 2015.
On January 22, 2016 Emily married her companion of many years, Miranda Jeanne Vand, who survives her. Miranda calls her a Bright Shining Star. She is also survived by two sisters, Faymarie Housholder of Spokane, and Mary Malagodi of Newton, MA. She is survived by her brother, Jitari Heintz of Alachua, FL. A sister Judy Ann Cowan preceded her in death.
Emily led a joyful life with particular passions for reading, music, and travel. She and Miranda were season ticket holders at Seattle Opera for more than 20 years and often traveled great distances to attend performances of all kinds. The couple traveled as far as New York City, San Francisco, and Atlanta, GA to see favorite musicians. And they delighted in the tropical climate of Hawaii, traveling there together 15 times. Emily loved sports and was an avid supporter of the Seattle Mariners, the Seattle Seahawks, and her beloved WSU Cougars. She was a regular blood donor and was recently awarded a pin celebrating her donation of her fourth full gallon.
Emily is greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her smile could light up a room. Her enthusiasm for life and compassion for the less fortunate was clearly evident after just a brief meeting. May she Rest in Peace.
A celebration of Emily's life will be scheduled for next summer in eastern Washington when her family is able to gather. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of her favorite organizations: the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity.
"Emily radiated love and joy. It has been a gift to know and to witness her zest for life. May her beautiful spirit rest in peace. "